Milan, 15 Nov. (LaPresse) – A city and a stadium literally in a frenzy over Ronaldinho. At the age of 46, the Brazilian star is back on the pitch for an official match, wearing the Ravenna shirt in the Romagna derby against Forlì, a fixture in Group B of Lega Pro. The Benelli Stadium in Ravenna is sold out for the event, with fans keen to witness the Brazilian star’s skills up close – the World Cup winner and former star of Barcelona and Milan. Having arrived by coach with the rest of the team, Ronaldinho was greeted by a thunderous roar as soon as he stepped onto the pitch for the warm-up. In the stands, countless spectators were wearing Ravenna shirts bearing the number 10 and Ronaldinho’s name, whilst the Benelli Stadium shop was literally stormed. In the stands, as guests of Ravenna’s owner Ignazio Cipriani – the driving force behind this event – were numerous former football and sporting legends, including former Milan players Nelson Dida and Serginho, tennis player Fabio Fognini, Ariedo Braida and Flavio Briatore. Ronaldinho is expected to remain on the pitch for around half an hour as part of the starting eleven selected by manager Andrea Mandorlini, and will be aiming for his 300th goal in official matches across club and international competitions.
Football: Ravenna in a frenzy – at 46, Ronaldinho returns to the pitch in Serie C
Milan, 15 Nov. (LaPresse) – A city and a stadium literally in a frenzy over Ronaldinho. At the age of 46, the Brazilian star is back on the pitch for an official match, wearing the Ravenna shirt in the Romagna derby against Forlì, a fixture in Group B of Lega Pro. The Benelli Stadium in Ravenna is sold out for the event, with fans keen to witness the Brazilian star’s skills up close – the World Cup winner and former star of Barcelona and Milan. Having arrived by coach with the rest of the team, Ronaldinho was greeted by a thunderous roar as soon as he stepped onto the pitch for the warm-up. In the stands, countless spectators were wearing Ravenna shirts bearing the number 10 and Ronaldinho’s name, whilst the Benelli Stadium shop was literally stormed. In the stands, as guests of Ravenna’s owner Ignazio Cipriani – the driving force behind this event – were numerous former football and sporting legends, including former Milan players Nelson Dida and Serginho, tennis player Fabio Fognini, Ariedo Braida and Flavio Briatore. Ronaldinho is expected to remain on the pitch for around half an hour as part of the starting eleven selected by manager Andrea Mandorlini, and will be aiming for his 300th goal in official matches across club and international competitions.