Ronaldinho to start for Ravenna as Brazil legend reveals two reasons for his comeback at 46
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho will start for Ravenna in a Serie C derby against Forlì on Sunday, saying his ‘friendship’ with Ravenna President Ignazio Cipriani convinced him to play a competitive match more than ten years after retiring.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho will come back from retirement tomorrow, Sunday, November 15, to play for Ravenna in a Serie C match against local rivals Forlì.
Ravenna coach Andrea Mandorlini has already confirmed that Ronaldinho will start and play for circa 30 minutes.
Ronaldinho already played in Italy from 2008 to 2011 with Milan and scored his first goal with the Rossoneri in a derby against Inter.
“It was my first goal in Italy; it was special, and I certainly don’t forget it, not least because every time I come back to Italy, people remind me of it practically every time,” Ronaldinho told Gazzetta.
“The spell with Milan was wonderful—for everyone: the people greeting me, the goals, the memories. The goals, the training sessions, Milanello, that derby goal, my teammates, the victories. Milan is always a wonderful memory whichever way you look at it.”
Ronaldinho landed in Italy on Friday. Last night, he had dinner with his teammates, and today he’ll join them on the pitch for his first training session with the team.
“Now I want to make the people of Ravenna happy, because of the passion they have,” he said.
“I’m happy because after such a long time I can get back on the pitch. I like the idea of being able to bring joy to these new fans of mine.”
Ronaldinho played his last competitive match in 2015 for Fluminense against Goiàs, while his last game for Milan was played in December 2010 against Roma. Why did he agree to play a competitive match more than ten years after his retirement?
“Because of the friendship we have with [Ravenna President] Ignazio Cipriani and because of the things we want for the future,” Ronaldinho replied.
“I’m here to experience a unique, special, and distinct moment in my life, and I think it will be a special day for the other players too, perhaps. Or I hope it will be.
“Now I have the opportunity to do something in football again that makes me happy, and also to give the fans a nice day, as they experience the start of this wonderful adventure with joy. I just hope that we can all have a nice day together.”
Football Italia will be among the media covering Ronaldinho’s return, providing updates on both the website and our YouTube channel.
