Ronaldinho is excited to start his new job with a third-tier club and can’t wait to get back!
Ronaldinho is making a comeback to club football, but not in the way most people might expect. Instead of playing on the field, he’s joining an Italian third-tier team in a new role.
Fans would love to see the Brazilian star show off his skills like he did in the 2000s, but those days are behind the 46-year-old now. He has signed with Serie C club Ravenna to help the team grow by working in marketing and becoming a part-owner.
The Barcelona legend will be officially introduced at an event in Miami on June 23.
After the announcement, Ronaldinho said, “New colors, same smile. I’m excited to get back to dancing on the ball and to start a new chapter with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always brought me joy, and I want to share that spirit with Ravenna.”
Ronaldinho knows Italian football well, having played for AC Milan and helped them win the Serie A title in 2011.
Although Ravenna is far from the top Italian league right now, the club hopes this new partnership will help them move up. Team owner Ignazio Cipriani is very happy about Ronaldinho joining.
He shared, “I spent 24 years in the United States, but Ravenna is still my home. Getting Ronaldinho on board is amazing for the club. He was my hero, and his influence goes beyond the game itself. Ronaldinho will help with marketing events, but he won’t be playing for Ravenna in Serie C next season.
“I wish he could still play. Dinho was incredible, one of a kind. I have a great relationship with him from our Milan days, but he won’t be on the field with us.”
While Ronaldinho will join the team for preseason training, there are no plans for him to return to professional football. He retired a few years ago, with his last pro match in 2015 for Brazilian club Fluminense.
Recently, Ronaldinho was seen watching Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti at the World Cup, cheering on his country as they fought to lead Group C.