Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to make a sensational return to competitive football on Sunday, more than 11 years after his last professional appearance.
The 46-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker is expected to start for Italian third-tier club Ravenna when they face local rivals Forli in a Serie C encounter.
Ravenna manager Andrea Mandorlini confirmed on Friday that the Brazilian will feature in his starting line-up, although the duration of his involvement will be decided during the match.
“He will play from the start, there’s no doubt,” Mandorlini told reporters. “Then together we will decide how long he plays.”
The manager also acknowledged Ronaldinho’s exceptional status in football, describing him as one of the greatest players of the modern era.
Ronaldinho’s appearance will mark his first competitive outing since September 2015, when he last featured for Brazilian side Fluminense. He initially joined Ravenna in August as an investor but has since expressed his desire to return to the pitch and score one final goal.
Club owner Ignazio Cipriani previously revealed that the Brazilian’s ambition was to reach 300 career goals before bringing his playing career to a close.
“His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal,” Cipriani said.
He also dismissed suggestions that Ronaldinho’s involvement was merely a promotional exercise, insisting that his commitment to the club was genuine.
The former Ballon d’Or winner arrived in Italy on Friday and will have just one training session with his new teammates before Sunday’s derby.
Anticipation is already building in Ravenna, with the club installing a temporary stand at the Stadio Bruno Benelli to accommodate the expected crowd eager to witness the Brazilian icon’s return.
Ravenna forward Simone Rabbi has also indicated that Ronaldinho will assume penalty-taking responsibilities if the opportunity arises.
Ravenna currently sit second in the Serie C standings after 13 matches, adding further significance to Sunday’s encounter as they pursue their promotion ambitions.
Ronaldinho, who won the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil, remains one of football’s most celebrated entertainers. His anticipated return offers supporters a rare opportunity to see the legendary playmaker back in competitive action.
