Ronaldinho retired in 2015 Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Former Brazil international Ronaldinho has landed in Italy ahead of his presentation as a new signing for third tier Ravenna 11 years after his retirement.
Six thousand fans are expected at a quintessentially Ronaldinho-style launch event: a beach festival on the Adriatic coast.
The former Ballon d’Or winner is part of Ravenna’s ownership group led by Ignazio Cipriani, part of the luxury hotel dynasty.
Cipriani is the grandson of Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of the legendary Harry’s Bar in Venice.
“This is not window dressing or a marketing stunt,” Cipriani insisted. “Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in Ravenna FC — that is the central point of the operation.
“He has also chosen to make an extraordinary gift to the city and to his new club: he will take to the pitch for Ravenna in an official professional match, with one clear and romantic aim — to try to score the final goal of his career.”
It is unclear whether Ronaldinho, 46, is fit enough to participate in Ravenna’s season opener against Reggiana this weekend. He has not participated in coach Andrea Mandorlini’s pre-season.
Ronaldinho’s last competitive game was for Fluminense back in 2015.
He last played domestic football in Italy was during the 2010-11 season, spending two and a half seasons at Milan before moving to Flamengo in January 2011.
He also represented Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Atletico Mineiro and Queretaro across a decorated playing career.
Ronaldinho played 97 times for Brazil and won the World Cup in 2002.
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