Brazil legend Ronaldinho is set for a stunning return to football at the age of 46. He plans to join Italian third-tier club Ravenna and chase his 300th career goal.
Thousands of fans welcomed him at a city beach during “Ronaldinho Day”. Despite the rain, supporters stayed to celebrate the former Barcelona and AC Milan star. Ronaldinho retired from professional football in 2015 after his final game for Fluminense.
The former Brazil playmaker is not sure when he will play.
“Will you see me play? I don’t know, only the coach knows that,” he said.
He added,
“If I could score my 300th goal, that would be even more beautiful.”
Ronaldinho also promised to help his new teammates fight for success.
His return was first revealed in June by Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani. The Italian-American businessman said Ronaldinho’s goal is to score one final career goal.
“His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal,” Cipriani said.
He also denied that the move was simply a publicity stunt.
However, fans will have to wait before seeing Ronaldinho in action. Cipriani confirmed that the Brazilian will not play against Reggiana in Monday’s Serie C opener. Ravenna finished third in Group B last season and wants promotion to Serie B. The club last played in Italy’s second tier in 2008.
Ronaldinho won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and the 2005 Ballon d’Or. He scored 33 goals in 97 matches for his country.
