RONALDINHO SIGNS WITH RAVENNA FC ELEVEN YEARS AFTER RETIREMENT

Ronaldinho has ended his retirement from professional football at the age of 46, signing with Ravenna FC, a third-tier Italian club. The announcement was made on Wednesday. The Brazilian footballer's exact role at the club remains unclear, though he indicated a playing involvement in a statement released alongside the signing. 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."

Ronaldinho's last professional appearance came in 2015 with Fluminense, ending an 11-year absence from competitive football. His career previously included spells at Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, where he won two La Liga titles, the Champions League and a Serie A title. Ravenna plays in northern Italy in the coastal town of the same name, competing in Serie C. The club finished last in their divisional table in the previous season.

Ronaldinho was present at Philadelphia Stadium on Friday as Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 in a World Cup group match, following an earlier 1-1 draw with Morocco. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002. The footballer is scheduled for an official unveiling at Ravenna next week, though scepticism surrounds whether he will actually play competitive matches for the club.