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Ronaldinho Returns to Play at 46, Aims for 300th Career Goal
🇬🇷 Greece /Sports

Ronaldinho Returns to Play at 46, Aims for 300th Career Goal

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, 46, is returning to active play with Ravenna FC, a third-division Italian team.
  • He aims to score the 300th goal of his career and has been presented to thousands of fans.
  • Ronaldinho, who retired in 2015, will also become a shareholder in the club, with the owner emphasizing this is not just a marketing stunt.

Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is making a comeback to the active playing field at the age of 46, joining Italian third-division club Ravenna FC. The legendary player has set a personal goal: to score the 300th goal of his illustrious career. Thousands of football enthusiasts gathered on a city beach to honor Ronaldinho, braving the rain to welcome the former star of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and AC Milan. Ronaldinho officially retired from professional football in 2015, with his last official match played for Fluminense.

I am very happy to be here with friends. We have a team that can achieve something good. Whether you will see me play? I don't know, only the coach knows that. It's wonderful to be back in Italy. I am here to help my teammates win.

— RonaldinhoExpressing his happiness about joining Ravenna FC and his intentions.

"I am very happy to be here with friends. We have a team that can achieve something good. Whether you will see me play? I don't know, only the coach knows that. It's wonderful to be back in Italy. I am here to help my teammates win," Ronaldinho stated during his presentation. He also hinted at the possibility of playing, asserting that he is in good physical condition. "As you can see, I am in shape and I feel good. If I could score my 300th goal, it would be even more beautiful," he added.

As you can see, I am in shape and I feel good. If I could score my 300th goal, it would be even more beautiful.

— RonaldinhoCommenting on his physical condition and career aspirations.

The news of his return was initially revealed in June by Ravenna's owner, Ignazio Cipriani, who outlined plans for the Brazilian's integration into the club. Beyond his playing role, Ronaldinho is set to become a shareholder in Ravenna FC. Cipriani clarified that Ronaldinho's involvement is not merely a publicity stunt or a marketing ploy. "His goal is romantic: to try to score his last goal. His participation is not symbolic nor a marketing trick for people to talk about us," the owner emphasized. However, Ronaldinho is not expected to feature in Ravenna's season opener against Reggiana on Monday.

His goal is romantic: to try to score his last goal. His participation is not symbolic nor a marketing trick for people to talk about us.

— Ignazio CiprianiRavenna FC owner explaining the sincerity of Ronaldinho's comeback.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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