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Ronaldinho, 46, will play in Italy's third division
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has signed a deal with Ravenna, a club competing in Italy's third-tier Serie C. The 46-year-old star is making a return to professional football after a long break.
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has signed a contract with Ravenna, a club playing in Italy's third division (Serie C). The club described the transfer as "historic."
Ronaldinho played his last official match in 2015 for the Brazilian team Fluminense. The 2002 World Cup champion, who made 97 appearances and scored 33 goals for the national team, is returning to the pitch at the age of 46.
"New colors, same smile"
Speaking to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldinho said, "New colors, same smile. I can't wait to dance with the ball again. We will write a new story with the Ignazio and Cipriani family."
The Brazilian star, who stated that football has always been a source of his happiness, expressed his readiness to join the team's pre-season training camp.
Physical fitness and medical concerns
Ravenna club's vice president Ariido Braida highlighted the marketing and symbolic dimensions of the transfer. Braida told the Italian news agency ANSA, "He is an extraordinary player. We will work to get his playing license; it's a big deal for the club."
When asked whether Ronaldinho could play at 46, Braida replied, "We'll see, it's not impossible. A legend like Ronaldinho does not fit into traditional categories and does not recognize the authority of age."
However, there are question marks over whether a player who has been away from competitive football for nearly a decade can adapt to the high physical tempo of Italy's third division.
Doctor warns: "Risks increase significantly"
A doctor speaking to La Gazzetta emphasized that there is a fundamental difference between exhibition matches and professional football.
The doctor said competitive football imposes strict physical and medical requirements, and comprehensive tests are needed to rule out age-related cardiac risks.
Highlighting that the risks have "increased significantly" due to Ronaldinho's prolonged inactivity, the doctor stated, "The player may feel like a champion of the past on the field, but the risk of muscle or tendon injury becomes real at the first sudden acceleration or during a strong contact."
The doctor noted that football, unlike other sports such as marathon or swimming, requires sudden explosive movements, changes of direction, and abrupt stops, which can put great strain on the body at 46.
Finally, stating that "biological age" is decisive, the doctor said it is theoretically possible to play sports at this age, but he is medically cautious about embarking on a full-fledged professional experience.
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