It is one of the greatest players of all time who is now getting involved in football again.
Ronaldinho ready for new job in third division – ‘can’t wait to come back’
Football legend Ronaldinho is making a comeback – but not in the way you think. The former Ballon d’Or winner has accepted a new role in Italian Ravenna, which plays in the third division.
A true legend
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Fans can probably forget the magic on the pitch – the 46-year-old’s days as a football artist are over. Instead, he becomes a central piece off the pitch. Ravenna confirms that the Brazilian will become a shareholder and will contribute with marketing to lift the club’s profile and growth.
The Barcelona and AC Milan hero was officially unveiled at an event in Miami on June 23, and he himself could hardly contain his excitement:
“New colours – but the same smile. I look forward to dancing on the ball again and writing a new chapter together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family. Football has always been a joy for me, and I want to bring that joy to Ravenna,” Ronaldinho said.
Reunited with old Milan friends
The owner of Ravenna, Ignazio Cipriani, is himself ecstatic to have secured the football icon. He admits that Ronaldinho was his big idol and that the transfer means a lot to the club.
“I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but Ravenna is still my home. To bring in Ronaldinho is absolutely extraordinary for the club,” says Cipriani.
However, he quickly adds that there is no question of a gambling comeback:
“I wish he could still play. Dinho was a phenomenon and a fantastic player. He will join training before the season, but he will not play for Ravenna in Serie C.”
World Cup winner with Italian past
Ronaldinho is no stranger to Italian football. He had a spell at AC Milan and helped lift the Serie A title in 2011. Now he is returning to the country, but on a completely different level.
Since retiring in 2015 after a short stint at Fluminense, he has mostly stayed away from the pitch – but his commitment to football has never disappeared. He was recently seen in the stands during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti, where he followed his own country on its way to the top of the group in this year’s World Cup.
Now he is writing a new chapter. It may not be with the ball between your legs – but with the smile intact and a heart that still beats for the magic of football.
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