Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has expressed his desire to net the 300th goal of his career after confirming that he will return to football at the age of 46 with Italian third-division team Ravenna.
Despite the rain, thousands of supporters assembled on a beach in the city for a celebration called “Ronaldinho Day”, where the former Paris St-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan star was officially presented. He initially retired from professional football in 2015.
“I am delighted to be here among friends, and I believe we have a squad capable of achieving something positive,” said Ronaldinho, who is also set to acquire a stake in the Serie C team.
“Will I take to the field? I cannot say, as that decision belongs to the coach. It is fantastic to return to Italy, and I have come here to support my teammates in their pursuit of victories.
“You can see that I am fit and feeling well… Reaching my 300th goal would make this experience even more special.”
Ronaldinho brought his playing career to a close in September 2015 after making his final competitive appearance for Brazilian side Fluminense.
He lifted the World Cup in 2002 after scoring the decisive goal against England in the quarter-finals, and he later received the Ballon d’Or in 2005.
News of the attacker’s return was originally revealed in June by Ignazio Cipriani, the Italian-American businessman who has owned the team since 2024, while he was in Miami for the World Cup.
“His ambition has a sentimental element: he wants to attempt to score one final goal,” Cipriani said on Thursday.
“His participation is genuine and should not be viewed as a symbolic move or a publicity exercise designed merely to attract attention.”
Cipriani also confirmed that Ronaldinho would not feature in Monday’s Serie C opening fixture against Reggiana.
Ravenna placed third in Group B of the third tier last season and are aiming to earn promotion back to Serie B for the first time since 2008.
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