Ronaldinho lands in Romagna — to be presented and sign for Ravenna today
After landing at Forlì at 11:50, the Brazilian star will be presented at Marina di Ravenna and is set to sign for the club that will also make him a co-owner.
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira — commonly known as Ronaldinho — arrived in the Italian region of Romagna on Thursday and is due to be officially presented as a Ravenna player this evening.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan star landed at Forlì Ridolfi Airport on a private flight from Milan at 11:50 and then travelled on to Ravenna with his entourage. He was met at the airport by club representatives and roughly thirty supporters; Ronaldinho paused briefly to pose for photos and sign autographs.
Presentation and public event
The club will hold an official presentation tonight in Marina di Ravenna. The event is scheduled from 20:30 to 22:00 on the beach beside the southern breakwater, and organisers expect between five and six thousand attendees. The club has also said Ronaldinho will remain in Romagna tomorrow for a visit to a team in Riccione.
The club first announced Ronaldinho's arrival on 23 June together with a statement outlining the project's ambitions. The announcement said: "Ronaldinho signs for Ravenna and becomes a player of FC Ravenna of Cipriani. This is one of the most important transfers in the history of the club and a moment that will put Ravenna at the centre of world football attention.
This transfer is more than symbolic. Ronaldinho has set a clear goal — he wants to score his last professional goal in a Ravenna shirt. With that, he will add a very personal chapter to one of the most celebrated careers in football history. His arrival sends a clear message: Ravenna is building a serious project, and Italian football culture gains a new foundation. Thus begins the most fascinating chapter in the club's history, and this is only the beginning."
Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani confirmed that Ronaldinho will not only play for the team but also become a co-owner of the Serie C club. The exact percentage of the stake for the 46-year-old Ballon d'Or winner has not been disclosed. Cipriani has spoken publicly about long-term ambitions to reach Serie A, with plans that include infrastructure upgrades and a new stadium; the Brazilian's arrival has already generated major international attention for the club.
Photo: FIFA world Cup X
