Brazil legend Ronaldinho has announced plans to return to professional football at the age of 46, 11 years after retiring from the game.
The former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan star said on Thursday that he will join Italian third-division side Ravenna as he looks to help the club while chasing what he described as a potential “300th goal”.
Ronaldinho officially ended his playing career in September 2015 after making his final appearance for Brazilian club Fluminense.
“I’m very happy to be here with friends. We have a team that can do something good,” Ronaldinho said during his presentation in Ravenna.
Asked whether he would feature on the pitch, the 2002 World Cup winner said the decision would rest with the coach.
“Coming back to Italy is wonderful. I’m here to help my teammates win,” he added.
Ronaldinho also said he felt physically ready for the challenge and would be delighted to reach 300 career goals.
The comeback was first announced in June by Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani during the World Cup in Miami. Cipriani revealed that Ronaldinho would also become a shareholder in the club.
However, the Brazilian will not feature against Reggiana in Ravenna’s Serie C season opener on Monday.
Ronaldinho scored 33 goals in 97 appearances for Brazil and won the World Cup in 2002 before claiming the Ballon d’Or in 2005.
Ravenna finished third in Group B of Serie C last season and are targeting promotion to Serie B, where they have not played since 2008.
Ronaldinho’s return adds further attention to the club’s promotion ambitions as they prepare for the new campaign.
