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Does a Brazilian magician do it?
News of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho’s return to professional football has caused a sensation in Italy after reports indicated he is set to sign with third-tier Italian club Ravenna, 11 years after his retirement.
According to Italian Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldinho’s move to Ravenna is expected to be officially announced on June 23 at a major event in Miami to coincide with the World Cup, where the club’s new kit will be unveiled.
According to the newspaper, Ronaldinho said. “New colors, same smile. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch and write a new chapter in my career with Ignazio (Cipriani, owner of the club) and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of happiness for me and I want to transfer that same passion to Ravenna.”
The surprise move comes after the Brazilian star retired from professional football in 2015 following his final stint with Brazilian club Fluminense, staying out of the limelight in recent years.
Ravenna, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the second division after losing in the qualifying rounds last season, are looking to capitalize on Ronaldinho’s big name to boost his media and public presence.
However, Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano later denied the report on his Twitter account, stressing that Ronaldinho’s presence at the club would be largely limited to marketing activities and that he would only attend a friendly match, before deleting his tweet without explaining why.
Uncertainty remains over the nature of Ronaldinho’s actual return, whether it will be an actual return to official competition or just a symbolic appearance for marketing purposes, pending an official announcement expected next Monday.
It is noteworthy that Ronaldinho (46 years old) is considered one of the most famous football stars of the last millennium. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 and won numerous titles with Barcelona, AC Milan and the Brazil national team, including the 2002 World Cup and the European Champions League.
