Brazilian icon Ronaldinho has admitted that his sensational return to professional football at the age of 46 'went by too fast' following his debut for Ravenna. The former Ballon d'Or winner stepped back onto the pitch for the Serie C side on Sunday, proving that his love for the game remains undimmed despite years away from the spotlight.
Ronaldinho turned back the clock on Sunday, ending 11 years away from professional football with a sensational comeback for Ravenna at the age of 46. The Brazil legend started the Serie C derby against Forli in front of a sold-out crowd, showed flashes of his old magic and played a key part in the opening goal before being substituted at half-time.
Ronaldinho needed no more than 45 minutes to turn back the hands of time and remind football fans of the days when he turned every touch into a work of art. After an absence of more than 11 years from official matches, the Brazilian magician returned to the pitch in the shirt of Italy's Ravenna, stealing the limelight in an exceptional appearance that featured an assist and warm applause from the crowd, who savoured the return of one of the most talented players in the history of the game.
In an exceptional scene that brought back football's finest moments, Brazilian legend Ronaldinho stole the spotlight once again, after returning to the pitch following an absence of more than 11 years, writing a new chapter in his story with the beautiful game, during his appearance in the shirt of Italian side Ravenna in the third division.
More than a decade after retiring from the pitch, Ronaldinho is preparing to make a comeback in an official match, in a surprise move that brings the Brazilian star back into competitive action despite being 46 years old, opening a new chapter in his football career.
Former Brazilian star Ronaldinho believes that his young compatriot Endrick possesses the qualities that would enable him to succeed with any team in the world, stressing that he would be a strong addition to both Milan and Roma should he move to either of them during the upcoming winter transfer window. He also expressed his great confidence in Carlo Ancelotti's ability to achieve remarkable feats with the Brazil national team.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is preparing to return to the pitch through the gateway of Ravenna, after revealing two reasons behind his agreement to play an official match with the team against Forli tomorrow, Sunday, as part of Italy's third-division competition, despite having retired from football 11 years ago.
On the eve of his debut with Ravenna, his new football adventure at the age of 46, Ronaldinho was interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport. Here is what the Gaucho said.
There is great anticipation ahead of Ronaldinho’s debut for Ravenna on Sunday in the derby against Forlì. The Brazilian arrived today. Ravenna manager Mandorlini said: “He will come on in the second half, free to play wherever he wants.”
Ravenna have announced Ronaldinho’s schedule ahead of his official debut on Sunday in the derby against Forlì: here is how the former Brazilian Ballon d’Or winner will spend the next three days.
The football world is preparing to witness a sight many thought impossible as former Barcelona and AC Milan maestro Ronaldinho readies himself for a professional comeback in Italy. More than a decade after his last competitive outing, the Brazilian icon is officially set to lace up his boots for a shock appearance in the third tier.
Brazilian icon Ronaldinho has sent shockwaves through the footballing world after touching down in Italy to officially link up with Serie C outfit Ravenna. The former Ballon d'Or winner, now 46, was greeted by thousands of fans, though mystery still surrounds whether he will actually swap retirement for the grit of the Italian third tier or strictly serve in an off-field role.
Brazil icon Ronaldinho has completed a surprise move to Italian third-tier side Ravenna, more than a decade after his last professional appearance. While club officials initially suggested his role would be limited to marketing activities, they have since refused to rule out the possibility of the 46-year-old featuring on the pitch.
Ravenna
