Ronaldinho, 46, Signs Contract With Italian Third Tier Side Ravenna

Writing has always been Josh's way of expressing his deep enthusiasm for sports, and this new path allows him to bring a fresh and honest perspective to his work.

He also gains valuable experience as a volunteer match reporter for the Loughborough Foxes WFC. Covering live events has helped Josh improve his storytelling skills and given him a closer insight into the game. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Ronaldinho's love affair with a football isn't over. The Brazilian icon, now 46, has put pen to paper on a deal with Ravenna, the Serie C outfit based in the north of Italy.

Whether he actually pulls on a shirt for a competitive fixture remains a different question entirely, and even the club's own hierarchy can't seem to agree on the answer.

News of the move broke via Gazzetta dello Sport, with the report revealing Ronaldinho will be officially unveiled at a glitzy event in Miami on the 23rd of June. The former Ballon d’Or winner was in a typically upbeat mood when discussing the move, and his words have only added to the excitement among fans hoping for one more glimpse of the magic.

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“I can’t wait to be able to dance on the ball again to write a new story together with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna.”

Club owner Ignazio Cipriani, who split his time between Italy and a long stint living in the United States, couldn't hide his excitement at landing one of his footballing heroes. "I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but I still consider Ravenna my home. Acquiring Ronaldinho is something absolutely extraordinary for the club; he was my idol, and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch.”

Ronaldinho was convinced, but the player never managed to get his hands on the prize.

Vice-president Ariedo Braida, who signed Ronaldinho for AC Milan in 2008, initially poured cold water on any playing involvement:

"Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season, also because he's 46. I wish he could still play."

Yet in a separate interview, Braida left the door open: "Ronaldinho is a timeless champion," he said. "Will he play? We'll see, but it's not ruled out."

The World Cup winner's last competitive outing came for Fluminense in 2015, after a career spanning Paris Saint Germain, Barcelona and Milan, where he scored 26 goals in 95 games.