Legend returns: Ronaldinho 'comes out of retirement' to sign for Italian football club
The Brazilian legend, who retired from professional football more than a decade ago, has signed with Serie C side Ravenna, with club officials refusing to rule out a competitive comeback
Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is set to return to professional football after signing with Italian third-division club Ravenna, according to Italian media reports.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan star, who last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015, is expected to be officially presented by the club at an event in Miami on 23 June, Italian daily Gazzetta reported.
While Ravenna initially described Ronaldinho's role as primarily commercial and promotional, senior club officials have since suggested that a playing comeback remains a possibility.
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Ravenna vice-president Ariedo Braida had previously dismissed speculation that the 46-year-old would feature in Serie C matches next season.
"Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season," Braida said earlier. "Also, because he is 46, I wish he could still play."
However, the club executive later softened his stance, saying the possibility of Ronaldinho returning to the pitch had not been completely ruled out.
"Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed with Ravenna and, for a club like ours, it is an extraordinary coup," Braida said.
"Over the next few days, there will be an event to unveil this extraordinary character. Will he play? We will see, but it is not ruled out."
Return to Italy
The move would mark Ronaldinho's return to Italian football nearly 15 years after his spell with AC Milan, where he played between 2008 and 2011.
The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner is set to work under Ravenna coach Andrea Mandorlini.
Although Ronaldinho retired from professional football more than a decade ago, he has remained active through exhibition matches, charity games and legends tournaments around the world.
'New colours, same smile'
The Brazilian expressed enthusiasm about the next chapter of his football journey, hinting at a deeper involvement with the club.
"New colours, same smile," Ronaldinho said.
"I cannot wait to dance on the ball again and write a new story together with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna."
One of the most celebrated footballers of his generation, Ronaldinho won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and enjoyed trophy-laden spells with Barcelona and AC Milan, earning a reputation for his creativity, flair and trademark smile.
