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Ronaldinho returns to professional football with Italian third-division club Ravenna

The former Brazil international ends an 11-year retirement at age 46, setting a personal target of reaching 300 career goals.

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Adrian Cole
Political Correspondent
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Source: France 24 International · View original source
Brazillian football star Ronaldinho makes a comeback at the age of 46
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Former Brazil football star Ronaldinho has officially announced his return to professional competition after an 11-year absence from the sport. The 46-year-old revealed on Thursday that he is making a comeback to the game, marking a significant end to his retirement period which began in 2015.

Ronaldinho has signed with Ravenna, a club competing in the Italian third division. This move represents a new chapter for the former international, who is now entering a lower-tier league to continue his playing career. The announcement was made by the player himself, confirming his intent to return to active duty.

According to France 24 International, the primary objective of this comeback is a personal statistical milestone. Ronaldinho stated that he aims to score his 300th career goal during his tenure with the Italian club. This target serves as the driving force behind his decision to return to the pitch after more than a decade.

The return of a high-profile figure to the Italian third division highlights the enduring appeal of the sport for veteran players. While the specific timeline of his previous retirement is well-documented, this new signing extends his professional history into a new era. The club and the player have aligned their goals for this final phase of his career.

This development underscores the unique trajectory of Ronaldinho’s career, bridging his past achievements with a future focused on individual scoring records. The move to Ravenna provides a platform for him to pursue this specific objective, keeping him active in professional football.

The announcement has been reported by international media, with France 24 International providing the initial details on the player’s plans. The story remains focused on the player’s personal ambition rather than broader institutional changes within the Italian football league system.

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