Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is poised to make his first competitive start in over a decade when Ravenna hosts local rivals Forli in Italy’s third division on Sunday. The 46-year-old playmaker, who joined the Serie C club in August, is set to feature in his debut match for the team, marking a historic return to professional football after a nine-year hiatus from competitive play.
The Ballon d’Or winner returns to the pitch for Ravenna in a Serie C derby against Forli.
Ravenna manager Andrea Mandorlini confirmed the star’s inclusion in the starting lineup on Friday, stating that the former Barcelona and AC Milan icon would begin the match as one of his side’s three forwards. “He will play from the start, there’s no doubt,” Mandorlini told reporters, adding that the duration of his appearance would be determined collaboratively to ensure player safety and tactical effectiveness.
Ronaldinho’s last competitive appearance came for Brazilian side Fluminense in September 2015, ending a career that included a Ballon d’Or victory in 2005 during his tenure at Barcelona. This upcoming Serie C derby offers a rare glimpse of the two-time World Cup winner in action, capping a long-awaited chapter in his post-retirement career as he attempts to re-enter the competitive fray.
Source: BBC Sport
