EXCLUSIVE: Ronaldinho on joining Ravenna, his comeback and what comes next

It comes after the club, currently plying their trade in Serie C (Italy's third tier) but with memories of Serie B football in the 90s, announced his arrival just days ago. The presentation video of the Brazilian superstar has already gone viral, hinting that the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner might be preparing for a sensational return to the pitch as a player.

It is common knowledge that Ronaldinho is joining the Ravenna ownership group, led by 38-year-old Ignazio Cipriani, scion of the famed Harry’s Bar dynasty and nephew of the late, ambitious chemical and sailing tycoon Raul Gardini.

However, the video that has captured the global imagination is not merely the announcement of a new stakeholder. Nor is it just the launch of his "R10" sportswear brand, which Ravenna is set to adopt. It is not just about a stunning, iconic white jersey with gold lettering, a kit destined to sell in its 10s of thousands, from the sun-soaked beaches of Miami to the historic alleys of Venice and the Adriatic coast.

That video teases something more: the prospect of Ronaldinho, who officially hung up his boots after his final season with Fluminense in 2015, pulling on the Ravenna shirt to play professionally once more.

There have been denials and mixed messages from within the club. Vice-president Ariedo Braida, a man whose name is synonymous with the golden eras of AC Milan and Barcelona, told the Italian press: "I wish he were still capable of playing. Dinho was a phenomenon and a wonderful player. You know I have a fantastic relationship with him from our Milan days, but he won’t be playing for us in Serie C."

Yet, in the same breath, he added: "He will be registered with us. Will he play? We’ll see, but it’s not ruled out."

What is certain is the glitzy presentation event held at Cipriani Miami, where the president remarked: "Seeing Ronaldinho in that room, connecting with people through football in the way only he can, made everything we are building incredibly tangible. Ravenna has always held a special place in my heart, and last night reminded me why this project is so important. We are just at the beginning."

It appears unlikely that Ronaldinho will participate in the team's pre-season training camp; his grand arrival in Ravenna from his current home in Miami is scheduled for August 21st. And Cipriani said that Ronaldinho would dream of scoring his last goal, playing for Ravenna, creating an unbelievable hype not only in Italy, but everywhere in the world of football.

Will he play five minutes? A handful of matches? Or simply a role as an ambassador for a masterclass in marketing? To settle the debate, Flashscore reached out exclusively to the man himself, posing three precise questions regarding his move to Ravenna and his potential return to the pitch. His answers were nothing short of surprising.

There is global speculation about your return to football in Ravenna. Let’s clear the air: will you play? Will you be a Ravenna player? 

"Yes, it’s true! Let’s say it’s a challenge for me, too. I will certainly play a few minutes in an official match, then we’ll see how I feel."

How did this decision and your relationship with Ravenna come about? 

"A great understanding was born with the Cipriani group. It started almost as a game, but then it materialised into something much bigger."

What would you say to those who are sceptical about your potential return to the pitch and your current fitness? 

"My fitness? (he smiles) I’ll do my best. In any case, I will be part of the Ravenna project, and I can tell you there are many new developments to come."

For now, we can only wait. One thing is certain: the future Ravenna number 10 will appear in the official docu-series Vida de Campeones, produced by NBC Universal and set to air on Amazon Prime Video.

The series tells the story of Wine of the Champions, the winery founded in Puglia by former agent Fabio Cordella, where global football icons create their own signature labels. Ronaldinho was among the first to join the project. So, for the moment, we’ll have to settle for a toast.

We are willing to bet that on August 21st, when the flight from Miami touches down on Italian soil, it won't just be Ravenna waiting for their icon: the entire football world will be watching, forever hungry for its legends.

Whether this proves to be a perfectly orchestrated marketing masterstroke or the final, nostalgic dance of a genius, only the pitch will tell. But in modern football, where the narrative can sometimes outweigh a goal, Ravenna has already won its league. The rest, as a true number 10 would say, is just magic.