Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has reportedly signed for Italian Serie C side Ravenna at the grand old age of 46.
The news is rather bizarre but Ronaldinho has apparently spoken about the supposed transfer, according to Football Italia.
“New colours, same smile,” Ronaldinho is quoted as saying. “I can’t wait to be able to dance on the ball again to write a new story together with Ignazio and the whole Cipriani family. Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna.”
So is Ronaldinho actually going to play? Well, the club’s vice-president Ariedo Braida didn’t sound too confident initially.
“Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us but will not play for Ravenna in Serie C next season. Also because he’s 46, I wish he could still play.
“Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player. I’ve had a wonderful relationship with him since his time at Milan, but he won’t play in Serie C with us.”
But Braida then gave an interview to ANSA and said it’s “not ruled out” that Ronaldinho could take to the pitch.
“Ronaldinho is a timeless champion. He has signed with Ravenna and, for a club like ours, it’s an extraordinary coup,” he said.
“Over the next few days, there will be an event to unveil this extraordinary character. Will he play? We’ll see, but it’s not ruled out. As I already said, he is a timeless champion.”
Ronaldinho will be unveiled next week at an event in Miami, which will also be used to release the team’s new kit, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The event might also offer some clearer indication as to what is actually going on between Ravenna and Ronaldinho.
All very strange.
