Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to play his first competitive match in over a decade on Sunday when Italian third-division side Ravenna face local rivals Forli.
Ravenna manager Andrea Mandorlini confirmed on Friday that the 46-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan star will start in a three-man attack for the Serie C clash. "He will play from the start, there's no doubt" Mandorlini said with adding that they will decide together how long he stays on the pitch.
Ronaldinho last played competitively for Brazilian club Fluminense in September 2015. The former Ballon d'Or winner initially joined Ravenna as an investor in August, driven by a personal ambition to score one final career goal and reach the 300-goal milestone.
Club owner Ignazio Cipriani emphasized that the move is not a publicity stunt, describing Ronaldinho’s quest for a 300th goal as a "romantic" objective. Teammate Simone Rabbi also confirmed that the Brazilian icon will be on penalty duty for Ravenna who currently sit second in the league table after 13 matches.
Ronaldinho arrived in Italy on Friday and will complete just one training session before Sunday’s derby. Anticipating huge fan interest to watch the 2002 World Cup winner potentially for the last time officials have built a temporary stand at Ravenna's Stadio Bruno Benelli to handle the crowd.
