Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to make a return to club football, though not in the way many fans may have hoped, after joining Italian third-tier side Ravenna.
While supporters may have wished to see the former Barcelona star back on the pitch, the 46-year-old will instead take up an off-field position with the club, focusing on marketing and becoming a stakeholder to help expand Ravenna’s profile.
Ronaldinho is expected to be officially unveiled during an event in Miami on June 23.
Speaking after the announcement, he said: “New colours, same smile. I can’t wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family.
“Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna.”
The 2002 World Cup winner is no stranger to Italian football, having previously played for AC Milan, where he helped the club win the Serie A title in 2011.
Although Ravenna currently compete in Serie C, the club’s ambitious plans could help push them closer to Italy’s top division. Club owner Ignazio Cipriani described Ronaldinho’s arrival as a major boost.
“I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but I still consider Ravenna my home.
“Acquiring Ronaldinho is absolutely extraordinary for the club. He was my idol, and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch,” he said.
Cipriani clarified that Ronaldinho’s role will remain off the field.
“Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won’t play for Ravenna in Serie C next season.
“I wish he were still able to play. Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player.
“I have a beautiful relationship with him from the Milan days, but he won’t play in Serie C with us.”
Although Ronaldinho will join the squad during pre-season activities, there are no plans for him to return to professional football.
The Ballon d’Or winner retired several years ago, with his final professional appearance coming in 2015 for Brazilian club Fluminense.
He was recently spotted watching Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti, a result that strengthened the team’s chances of topping Group C at the World Cup.