Ronaldinho, 46, lands in Italy ahead of presentation as new signing for third-tier minnows 11 years after retirement

RONALDINHO is set to come out of retirement aged 46 with Italian minnows Ravenna. The Brazilian legend is returning to professional action 11 years after initially hanging up his boots. Ronaldinho has arrived in Italy Credit: AP Ronaldinho, 46, waves to fans ahead of coming out of retirement Credit: AP The former World Cup winner part-owns Ravenna, who play in Serie C, the third tier of Italian football. And he has landed in Italy ahead of his official unveiling with his new club. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Dream Team is back, free, and there’s £100,000 up for grabs! The Athletic report that Ronaldinho will be unveiled in front of 6,000 fans at a beach festival. Upon joining the club, Ronaldinho vowed that he aims to score one last career goal with Ravenna. Ignazio Cipriani, who is head of the club’s ownership group, has insisted that his new signing is not just for publicity. Cipriani said: “This is not window dressing or a marketing stunt. “Ronaldinho will become a shareholder in Ravenna FC — that is the central point of the operation. “He has also chosen to make an extraordinary gift to the city and to his new club: he will take to the pitch for Ravenna in an official professional match, with one clear and romantic aim — to try to score the final goal of his career.” Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Ronaldinho has not taken part in pre-season and his fitness levels are unknown. Ravenna begin their Serie C season with a trip to Emilia-Romagna side Reggiana on Monday night. It would seem unlikely that Ronaldinho will be fit enough to feature, although an appearance has not been ruled out. The former Ballon d’Or winner last played professionally for Brazilian side Fluminense in 2015. He has since played in several charity matches, including one at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light earlier this year. Ronaldinho does have prior experience of playing in Italy. He appeared 95 times for AC Milan between 2008 and 2011, helping them to a Serie A title in his last season. Ronaldinho shirts are being flogged in Ravenna Credit: AFP The Brazilian’s arrival has captured local interest Credit: Reuters Comment now