Ronaldinho Arrives at Ravenna as 46-Year-Old Comeback Moves Forward

Ronaldinho has arrived in Italy to begin an extraordinary new chapter with Serie C club Ravenna at the age of 46. The Guardian reported that the former Barcelona and Milan playmaker landed at Forli airport on Thursday, two months after Ravenna announced his signing on June 19. His last official match was for Fluminense in 2015.

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The Brazilian travelled from Milan Linate on a private jet before completing a medical and attending a club press conference. Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani said Ronaldinho is becoming a shareholder in the club as well as preparing for a possible role on the field, giving the move both a sporting and corporate dimension.

Ronaldinho said friendship and passion had brought him back to Italy. He described his aims as helping the team, exciting his new teammates and contributing to a memorable season. He also said scoring would make the experience more special, while stressing that any decision on whether he plays will be made by Cipriani and head coach Andrea Mandorlini.

Cipriani told reporters that Ronaldinho is in shape and said the arrangement is intended to create renewed enthusiasm around Ravenna, rather than serve only as a marketing exercise. The president also confirmed the former Brazil international's shareholder status. Veteran executive Ariedo Braida joined Cipriani and Ronaldinho at the presentation.

The club then introduced its squad at an event on the beach at Marina di Ravenna. Cipriani has spoken of pursuing a quick rise to Serie B, with the top flight a longer-term target. The Guardian reported that Ronaldinho's arrival has already helped Ravenna sell more than 2,700 season tickets for the new Serie C campaign.

Ravenna's season begins away in Reggio Emilia on Monday, but Cipriani confirmed Ronaldinho will not take part in that opening fixture. Mandorlini presented him with the No. 10 shirt at his arrival, though no date has been set for a potential debut. For now, the confirmed elements are his arrival, medical and ownership stake; how much he plays remains unresolved.