Ronaldinho Arrives in Italy After Joining Ravenna, Hints at Possible Playing Return


Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho arrived in Italy on Thursday following his surprise move to Serie C club Ravenna FC, where he has also acquired a stake in the team.

The 46-year-old former Brazil international touched down at Forli airport shortly after midday ahead of an official squad presentation later in the day, marking the beginning of his involvement with the Italian third-tier side.

Ronaldinho was part of Brazil's celebrated 2002 World Cup-winning squad and enjoyed an illustrious club career with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and remains one of the most recognisable figures in world football.

His involvement with Ravenna was announced in June after the club's owner and Ronaldinho's close friend, Ignazio Cipriani, brought the former superstar on board. Cipriani has ambitious plans to guide Ravenna into Serie A, a level the club has never reached.

Although Ronaldinho is officially part of the project, Cipriani has made clear that the Brazilian will not feature when Ravenna begin their league campaign away to Reggiana on Monday.

Ronaldinho, whose last competitive appearance came for Fluminense in 2015, was also reluctant to rule out a playing comeback when asked whether he could eventually wear Ravenna's colours.

A return to competitive football would give the Brazilian an opportunity to chase the 300th goal of his career, although he stopped short of confirming that such a comeback is under consideration.

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