Italy: Ronaldinho set to join Ravenna FC 1913

Now 46 years old, Ronaldinho is coming out of retirement.

The former FC Barcelona star landed in Italy this Thursday to sign with Ravenna FC 1913, a club competing in the Italian third division. Arriving by private jet at Forli airport, the Brazilian legend was greeted by dozens of journalists and cameras ahead of his official signing, which is expected to be announced later this evening.

According to Italian media reports, between 5,000 and 6,000 fans are expected to attend the event, which will likely take place on a beach. Although retired since 2015, Ronaldinho has reportedly set himself the goal of scoring one final professional goal with his new club.

This signing is above all a commercial move, as the former FC Barcelona player plans to launch his own brand "R10," which is expected to become the kit supplier for the Italian club. "He wants to launch his technical brand, R10, much like Michael Jordan did, and Ravenna will be the first team to wear it," revealed club owner Ignazio Cipriani in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

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Joshua SOSSOU

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As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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