Ronaldinho says he could play for Ravenna again after making his surprise return to football at the age of 46.
The former Milan, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward started against local rivals Forli in Serie C, Italy’s third tier, and completed the opening 45 minutes before being substituted at half-time.
His departure at the Stadio Benelli was met with a prolonged standing ovation from the Ravenna supporters.
“It went by too fast, that has always been football for me,” Ronaldinho told Sky Sport Italia as he acknowledged the crowd.
Asked whether the appearance would be his final match, he replied: “I don’t know, if the President keeps calling me, I will come back! It is always a pleasure. I told the President, if he needs me, then I will be here.”
Ronaldinho had officially retired in 2018, although his last professional match before this return had come for Fluminense in September 2015. He signed for Ravenna over the summer and trained with the squad for the first time before facing Forli.
Despite his limited preparation, the Brazilian was included in the starting XI. He had flown in the previous day, completed only one training session and stayed in a different hotel from the rest of the team.
Reflecting on his return to a dressing room and a competitive match, Ronaldinho said: “It was lovely to be here, playing, having the build-up in the dressing room. Football has always been the most wonderful thing in my life.”
The 46-year-old also spoke about lining up alongside players who were still toddlers when he played his previous professional match.
“It was fun to be with so many young players, some of whom grew up watching me, it was great. Now if the President calls me, I’ll be back!”
Ronaldinho was known throughout his career for playing with a smile, and said he believed that enjoyment could still be found in the modern game.
“There are many players who have the same joy I did, in football sometimes things don’t go well, we know this in Brazil, and you Italians too,” he said.
“I hope that Italy and Brazil can get back to winning World Cups and playing great football.”
Ravenna opened the scoring with a goal from Giulio Donati, with Ronaldinho involved in the build-up but not credited with the assist.
Donati had previously faced Ronaldinho’s Milan while playing for Lecce in a Serie A fixture at San Siro.
It remains unclear whether Ronaldinho will make another appearance for Ravenna, but he reiterated that he would return if the club’s president asked him to do so.
