Ronaldinho to wear Ravenna shirt 11 years later

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho will play competitive matches again next month. Ravenna has announced that Ronaldinho will make his debut for the Italian third division side in the local derby against Forli on November 15.

The 46-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan forward last played a professional match in 2015 for Brazilian club Fluminense. Ronaldinho officially announced his retirement from football in 2018, and his return to the pitch comes more than a decade after his last official match.

In the club statement, the management stressed the player's continuing influence on fans. Ravenna's leadership said they expect the return to bring international attention to the club. The club said Ronaldinho's talent has inspired football lovers across generations, regardless of their loyalty to any one team.

Ronaldinho agreed to join Ravenna in June and became a shareholder in the club. The owner, Ignazio Cipriani, a friend connected to the Cipriani restaurant brand, says the player aims to bring the team and the local community together. Cipriani also said he wants Ronaldinho to score the last goal of his career in a Ravenna shirt.

The news follows months of debate over whether the former Brazil international would actually play for the team. At a seaside ceremony in Marina di Ravenna in August, where he was introduced to supporters, Ronaldinho did not confirm that he would appear in an official match at that time.