Ronaldinho to Make Competitive Comeback with Ravenna Against Forlì
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to return to competitive action, starting for Ravenna in a Serie C derby against local rivals Forlì on Sunday, November 15. His decision to come out of retirement comes over ten years after playing his last match, motivated by his friendship with Ravenna President Ignazio Cipriani.
Ravenna’s coach, Andrea Mandorlini, confirmed that Ronaldinho will play for approximately 30 minutes in the match. Ronaldinho previously had a successful stint in Italy from 2008 to 2011 with AC Milan, where he scored his first goal in the league during a derby against Inter. In recent comments, he expressed the significant impact his time in Milan had on him, reminiscing about the special memories tied to the club.
“It was my first goal in Italy; it was special, and I certainly don’t forget it, not least because every time I come back to Italy, people remind me of it practically every time,” Ronaldinho shared with Gazzetta.
The former player emphasized his fond memories of Milan, saying, “The spell with Milan was wonderful—for everyone: the people greeting me, the goals, the memories. Milan is always a wonderful memory whichever way you look at it.”
Having landed in Italy on Friday, Ronaldinho enjoyed dinner with his new teammates and has joined them for training ahead of the match. He expressed his desire to bring joy to Ravenna’s passionate fan base. “Now I want to make the people of Ravenna happy,” he stated, adding that it feels great to be back on the pitch.
Ronaldinho’s football journey has spanned globally, with the last competitive fixture played in 2015 for Fluminense against Goiás, while his final game for AC Milan was in December 2010 against Roma. Reflecting on his return after such a long hiatus, he noted the significance of his relationship with Cipriani and the ambitions they share for the future.
“I’m here to experience a unique, special, and distinct moment in my life,” he said. “I think it will be a special day for the other players too, perhaps. Or I hope it will be.”
As anticipation builds for the match, Ronaldinho hopes to create a memorable experience for the fans. “I just hope that we can all have a nice day together,” he concluded.
