Ronaldinho makes the dream real at Ravenna, flanked by sporting director Paolo Scocco (left) and the club’s vice-president Ariedo Braida. Photograph: Ciro De Luca/Reuters
Brazilian legend pledges excitement at his unveiling for a comeback that is winning over initially disbelieving fans
It seemed like a joke, a hoax, when at 10pm on 19 June, Ravenna broke the news of Ronaldinho’s signing. The Brazilian, a former Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most recognisable figures in world football, had played his last official match in 2015 for Fluminense; a professional signing in Serie C at 46 years of age seemed unrealistic, to say the least. With football’s attention taken by the World Cup, the game was shocked by this bolt from the blue. For the most part, it remained in disbelief.
There was much discussion, in the city and around the world, about the real value of this operation, and we talked about it too, speaking with the mayor, the fans, and the president of Ravenna, Ignazio Cipriani, scion of the family known globally for Harry’s Bar, who is giving his city much more than a dream.
A dream that materialised, dispelling any doubts, at 11.50am on Thursday, when Ronaldinho, in a floral shirt and Bermuda shorts, with his now-familiar flat cap on his head, walked down the steps of the private jet that brought him from Milan Linate to the runway of Forlì airport. It is all true, all real. From there, he went on to the customary medical, like a true footballer. Ronaldinho is becoming a partner in the Ravenna club, as explained by the president, but he will also do his part on the pitch, with the dream of scoring the final goal of his career in the yellow-and-red jersey.
Then came the quick press conference, organised by the ownership at the Monaldina, the historic residence of the Gardini-Ferruzzi entrepreneurial family, the maternal dynasty from which Cipriani descends. There were few questions and hushed answers, very few words carefully chosen by Ronaldinho, who with his customary smile and gentle manners truly seems to have stepped back in time.
“The Milan derby is the most beautiful memory of my previous Italian experience,” began the former Barcelona and Milan No 10, before clarifying what drove him to Romagna: “Friendship and passion are the keys that brought me back here.”
He then clarified his goals in Ravenna: “To help, to excite the other players, and to have a spectacular season. To win, if possible.” Regarding his possible presence on the pitch, he explained: “If a goal comes, my experience in Ravenna will become even more beautiful, but whether I will actually play will be decided by the president and the coach.”
What does he think of the enthusiasm of Ravenna, a city that has literally gone crazy for him? Ronaldinho smiled and replied: “I just arrived, but I have a great desire to live this experience with the whole city.” His mission, he had already declared, is to bring happiness and love.
Echoing his words and capturing the essence of the city’s excitement was Ariedo Braida. Almost enunciating every word, the veteran executive summarised the operation with a striking remark: “We have the magic of football in Ravenna, what more could we ask for?”
Ronaldinho salutes onlookers but he will not participate in Ravenna’s opening Serie C game on Monday. Photograph: Massimo Paolone/LaPresse/Shutterstock
The former Milan and Barcelona director also recalled the opinion expressed by Kevin-Prince Boateng in 2016, according to which Ronaldinho holds the top spot in a ranking that also includes Pelé, Maradona, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Closing the circle was Cipriani himself, who revealed the behind-the-scenes of the miracle, after clarifying: “Ronaldinho is in shape.” When asked how he convinced the Brazilian champion, the answer was identical to that of the player: “Friendship and passion.” Cipriani then confirmed Ronaldinho’s entry as a shareholder in Ravenna FC, insisting on the profound meaning of the corporate move: “It’s not just about marketing, it’s not just international visibility. It is the chance to create a new enthusiasm around the club and the yellow-and-red jersey.”
Then the party began, organised in grand style on a stage set up on the beach at Marina di Ravenna, featuring the presentation of the entire Ravenna squad. The club’s president does not hide the ambition of a rapid climb to Serie B, with his sights set on the top flight. The star of the event, needless to say, was the Brazilian star, who for the first time presented himself before his new people, those Ravenna fans who back in June were curious, sceptical, or in disbelief.
Every doubt was dispelled on the beach of the ancient Byzantine capital, which today, with the arrival of the former Ballon d’Or winner, can truly dream big.
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In living memory, the Romagnol city has never been talked about so much all over the world.
Ronaldinho’s unexpected comeback has captured fans’ imaginations, with 2,700 season tickets sold. Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/AFP/Getty Images
The fans didn’t just show up on the beach to celebrate their new idol, they also did so at the box office: the “Ronaldinho effect” has led to over 2,700 season tickets sold for Ravenna’s Serie C campaign, which kicks off on Monday in Reggio Emilia.
Ronaldinho, as confirmed by Cipriani, will not take part in the away match, but the fans hope to soon see him wearing the No 10 jersey, which was handed to him upon his arrival in Ravenna by the head coach, Andrea Mandorlini.
“Thank you very much,” are the words Ronaldinho dedicated to his celebrating people, while a child climbing the scaffolding of the giant screen shouted: “I saw him!”
He saw him at 46 years old, they had told him stories about him. Perhaps he will see him play again. This is the magic of football.
