Ronaldinho plays 45 minutes on his debut for Italian side Ravenna at age of 46
The Brazil great has come out of retirement.
Ronaldinho played 45 minutes on his return to professional football in Italy.
The 46-year-old Brazil great announced in June that he had signed for Serie C side Ravenna, 11 years after he appeared to have brought his storied career to a close with Fluminense.
Five months later, he was in the starting line-up as Ravenna took on local rivals Forli.
Ronaldinho retired having scored 299 goals but his 300th will have to wait, with the World Cup winner showing some nice touches and involved in Ravenna’s opening goal from Giulio Donati but unable to create a sight of goal for himself.
Ronaldinho acknowledged the fans at the end of the first half and he was replaced by Matteo Maggio when the sides came back out.
Ronaldinho, who has also become a shareholder in the club, hinted there could be more appearances to come, telling Sky Italia in quotes reported by ESPN: “It went by too fast, that has always been football for me.
“Is this my last one? I don’t know. If the president keeps calling me, I will come back. It is always a pleasure. I told the president, if he needs me, then I will be here.
“It was lovely to be here, playing, having the build-up in the dressing room. Football has always been the most wonderful thing in my life.”