Ronaldinho to make football comeback at 46 in Italian Serie C derby against Forli

File Image: Ronaldinho, pictured during an earlier visit to Kolkata, is set to return to competitive football after 11 years. | Photo Credit: PTI

Brazilian football great Ronaldinho is set to return to competitive action after more than a decade, with Italian third-division club Ravenna confirming that he will make his debut against Forlì on November 15.

The 46-year-old, who last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015, signed with the Serie C side in June but has yet to feature for the club.

Ravenna announced on Friday that Ronaldinho would take the field at the Stadio Bruno Benelli for the derby, ending months of speculation surrounding his comeback.

“The whole soccer world thought it too good to be true, instead we can now officially confirm a grand return,” the club said in a statement.

Ronaldinho was introduced to Ravenna supporters at a beachside ceremony in August, following the announcement of his signing in Miami two months earlier.

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Club president Ignazio Cipriani, whose family is associated with the Cipriani restaurant business, has expressed his ambition to see the former Brazil international score the final goal of his career in Ravenna colours.

The move also marks Ronaldinho’s return to Italian football, having previously represented AC Milan between 2008 and 2011.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder enjoyed a decorated career, winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

Ravenna currently sits second in its Serie C group and will host ForlI in a much-anticipated derby as Ronaldinho prepares for his first professional appearance in 11 years.