Barcelona and Brazil legend, Ronaldinho, has come out of retirement at the age of 46 to join Serie C side Ravenna FC.

 

His return to football comes 11 years after he first hung up his boots in 2015 after a brief spell at Fluminense.

 

Serie C side Ravenna FC. narrowly missed out on promotion last season, and owner Ignazio Cipriani has been looking to make a statement in the transfer market.

 

Ronaldinho’s arrival is set to be officially announced at an event in Miami next week.

 

On coming out of retirement, he said: “New colours, same smile. I can’t wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family.

 

“Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna.”

 

Cipriani revealed Ronaldinho, who lifted World Cup and was a Ballon d’Or winner during his stunning career, was his childhood idol.

 

He added: “I spent 24 years of my life in the United States, but I still consider Ravenna my home.

 

“Acquiring Ronaldinho is absolutely extraordinary for the club. He was my idol and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch.”

 

Conflicting reports have stated that while Ronaldinho has “signed” for the club, it comes more as a marketing role/publicity stunt.

 

Ravenna honorary vice-president Ariedo Braida put out any rumours that Ronaldinho would be making any appearances in Serie C.

 

He told The Sun: “Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won’t play for Ravenna in Serie C next season.

 

“I wish he were still able to play. Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player.

 

“I have a beautiful relationship with him from the Milan days, but he won’t play in Serie C with us.”