August 21- Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho has joined Italian third-tier club Ravenna FC at the age of 46, with the possibility of making a surprise return to the pitch.
Ravenna FC first announced a deal with Ronaldinho on June 19. The club is owned by hotel businessman Ignazio Cipriani, who is a friend of the former Brazil star.
Although Ronaldinho’s exact role at the club remains somewhat unclear, he has been registered as a player and underwent a traditional medical examination similar to those required for professional football transfers.
According to the club president, Ronaldinho is also set to become a shareholder in Ravenna. At the same time, the World Cup-winning star could potentially make a final appearance on the pitch wearing the club’s yellow-and-red jersey.
Ronaldinho has not confirmed that he will actually play. However, when asked whether he hoped to score his 300th career goal in a Ravenna shirt, he responded with a smile: “If that happens, it would be even more beautiful. But whether I actually play depends on the club president and the coach.”
Ronaldinho began his professional career with Gremio in 1998 before playing for some of the biggest clubs in world football, including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan. His last recognized competitive appearance came for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015, while he officially announced his retirement in January 2018.
Ravenna FC is the ninth club of Ronaldinho’s professional career.
The club’s owner said the move was intended to bring the city and its supporters closer to the team and create excitement around the new season.
He also stressed that Ronaldinho’s involvement was not simply a publicity or marketing stunt, saying the Brazilian legend’s planned role as a Ravenna shareholder was at the heart of the project.
If Ronaldinho does take the field and scores, a 300th career goal in Ravenna’s colors would provide a remarkable final chapter to one of football’s most celebrated careers.
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