Ronaldinho Signed Contract With Ravenna Club In Serie C, The Possibility Of Returning To The Field Is Not Ruled Out
Ronaldinho signed a contract with Serie C club Ravenna, at the age of 46, which opened up the possibility that he could return to the field. Initially, his role was said to be only in marketing, but the board of directors did not rule out the possibility of him playing.
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has completed a surprise contract with Ravenna, a team playing in Italy's Serie C, more than a decade after his last professional appearance. Although club officials initially suggested his role would be limited to marketing activities, they refused to rule out the 46-year-old being on the field.
Ronaldinho has signed for Ravenna in one of the most surprising moves in recent football history. According to information from Gazzetta, the former Ballon d'Or winner will be officially introduced at a special event in Miami on June 23.
This contract marks the Brazilian legend's return to Italy, where he played for two and a half seasons with AC Milan. Since his last professional appearance for Fluminense in 2015, Ronaldinho has mainly participated in friendly matches and honors events. Now, he returns to the club environment under coach Andrea Mandorlini as Ravenna prepares for the 2026-27 season.
Questions quickly arose about whether Ronaldinho's involvement went beyond promotional duties. Ravenna vice-president Ariedo Braida initially assumed that the Brazilian would not participate in Serie C matches. He said: "Ronaldinho will participate in a marketing event with us but will not play for Ravenna in the next Serie C season. Also because he is 46 years old, I wish he could still play."
However, Braida then left open the possibility that Ronaldinho could appear on the field. Speaking to ANSA, he said: "Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed for Ravenna and, for a club like us, this is a wonderful shock. In the next few days, there will be an event to present this special character. Will he compete? We will see, but not ruled out. As I said, he is a timeless champion."
Despite much uncertainty about his playing time, Ronaldinho expressed great excitement about joining Ravenna's project. The legendary former midfielder, who won the Champions League with Barcelona and the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, seems eager to bring his "Joga Bonito" philosophy to the club's fans. "New colors, unchanged smile," Ronaldinho said. "I can't wait to be able to dance on the ball again and write a new story with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna."
Ronaldinho will be officially announced in Miami on June 23, when more information will be available about his role at the club. Currently, uncertainty remains over whether the Brazilian legend will actually appear in an official match. Even if he never takes the field, his presence is expected to form a central part of Ravenna's plans as the club look to boost their image ahead of the new season.
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