By Staff, Agencies

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has made a sensational return to professional football, joining Italian Serie C side Ravenna 11 years after his last competitive appearance.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan star arrived in Italy on Thursday and was presented to thousands of supporters during Ravenna’s team presentation ceremony on Marina di Ravenna beach.

Ronaldinho signed with the club in June and has also acquired a stake in the team. Ravenna confirmed that the 46-year-old will be officially registered as a player, making him eligible to feature in Serie C.

The Brazilian hopes to score the 300th goal of his professional career, although the date of his debut has not yet been announced and it remains unclear how many matches he will play.

“If that happens, it will be even more beautiful,” Ronaldinho said when asked about reaching the milestone.

“I don't know, that depends on the president and the coach. I came here because of the friendship we have. We'll wait for the squad to do well. I'm here to help,” he added.

Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani said he dreams of seeing Ronaldinho score the final goal of his career for the club.

Ronaldinho will not play in Ravenna’s Serie C opening match away to Reggiana on Monday.

The Brazilian’s last professional appearance came for Fluminense in 2015, while he officially announced his retirement from football in 2018.

A key member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, Ronaldinho won the 2005 Ballon d’Or and enjoyed an illustrious career that included Champions League success with Barcelona and a Serie A title with AC Milan.

Ravenna finished third in Serie C Group B last season and are aiming to secure promotion back to Serie B, where they last competed during the 2007-08 season.