RAVENNA, Italy — Soccer icon Ronaldinho has arrived in Ravenna, a city celebrated more for its beaches than its football club.
The lyrics “and the world’s going to know your name” felt fittingly exaggerated as one of football’s most famous figures graced the stage before a sea of thousands on Thursday.
The tune, “Hall of Fame” by The Script, echoed through the presentation for Ravenna’s third-division team ahead of the reveal of their new No. 10.
Thursday was dubbed “Ronaldinho Day,” featuring a press conference followed by a vibrant beachside ceremony attended by around 6,000 enthusiastic fans, who waved flags and ignited flares, even amid the light rain.
In a surprising turn of events in June, the 46-year-old Ronaldinho signed with Italian third-division club Ravenna, marking his return to professional soccer more than ten years after his retirement.
“I’m very happy to be here with my friends, but let’s see how the team performs,” Ronaldinho said on Thursday, answering questions about his feelings about joining the club. When asked when fans might see him play, he joked, “I feel fine. I don’t know, it depends on the president and the coach’s plans. I have no idea.”
Ronaldinho arrived by private jet at Forlì Airport, roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Ravenna, around midday local time. He signed a few soccer balls for airport staff before boarding a vehicle on the tarmac, bypassing the small crowd of fans waiting at the terminal.
He was accompanied by Ravenna President Ignazio Cipriani, well-known for his restaurant brand.
It has been confirmed that Ronaldinho will not participate in Ravenna’s opening Serie C match on Monday against Reggio Emilia. The extent of his involvement throughout the season remains uncertain; however, Cipriani has expressed his dream of seeing the Brazilian score his final career goal for the club.
“If that happens, even better, right?” Ronaldinho remarked. “I’m here because of the friendships I’ve built, and now we just have to see how the team does… I’m here to contribute.”
Ronaldinho last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015, and this marks his second stint in Italy after previously playing for AC Milan from 2008 to 2011. He is a World Cup winner with Brazil (2002) and a Ballon d’Or recipient (2005).