Brazil legend Ronaldinho is set to end his 11-year retirement this weekend, making his debut for Serie C side Ravenna at the age of 46.
The former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan forward signed for Ravenna in the summer but has yet to appear for the club. He is now expected to feature in their match against Forli FC on Sunday, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
How to watch the match
The game will be available on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel, with kick-off at 4.30pm UK time. Ravenna begin their season against Reggiana this weekend, although it remains unclear whether Ronaldinho will play in that fixture, with questions also surrounding his fitness.
A romantic aim
Ronaldinho is part of Ravenna's ownership group, led by Ignazio Cipriani of the luxury hotel group. Speaking in June about the signing, Cipriani said it was not a marketing stunt and that the Brazilian retains the desire to return to professional football.
He said: “This is not window dressing or a marketing stunt. Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in Ravenna FC — that is the central point of the operation. He has also chosen to make an extraordinary gift to the city and to his new club: he will take to the pitch for Ravenna in an official professional match, with one clear and romantic aim — to try to score the final goal of his career.”
Career highlights
Ronaldinho last played a competitive game for Fluminense in 2015. He previously spent two and a half years at AC Milan in Italy and also starred for Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Atletico Mineiro and Queretaro. He earned 97 caps for Brazil and won the 2002 World Cup.
