Ronaldinho returns to football: Yes, it's real!

Although the headline is eye-catching, beautiful, and exciting for fans of Italian football, the fact that Brazilian star Ronaldinho, aged 46, signed with Ravenna, which plays in Serie C, is true, his signing with the club is for purely marketing purposes and he will not return to the world of professional football.

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Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani explains the signing process with Ronaldinho

The rumors had been swirling for weeks. Was Ronaldinho really coming to Ravenna? And if so, was it just for show? Ignazio Cipriani, the man who pulled the trigger on the deal, has finally set the record straight. This is not a publicity exercise, he insists—this is a signing with sporting intent.

The journey begins on August 21, when the Brazilian will be unveiled to the fans at the team's official presentation, as Cipriani confirmed to La Gazzetta dello Sport back in June. From there, however, the script is yet to be written.

The veteran playmaker won't be packing his bags for the training camp, but Cipriani has guaranteed that he won't be a mere spectator either. "He won't come on the training camp, but he will definitely take part in at least one league match, maybe even a few more, we'll see," the owner revealed. The fixture list may hold the key, but for now, the exact date remains a mystery. "We still don't know when he will take to the pitch in the league, it will depend on several things," Cipriani conceded. One thing, however, is certain: when the great Ronaldinho finally pulls on the Ravenna shirt in a competitive game, the Stadio Bruno Benelli will be the stage. "It will definitely be a home game," he declared.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

Related teams and leagues

Ravenna

Serie C Italy