Ronaldinho returns to football with Ravenna before praising ‘best thing’ in his life

Brazil great Ronaldinho marked his return to competitive football by helping Ravenna beat Forli 2-0 in Italy’s third tier, saying the game remained “the best thing” to have happened to him.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan player came out of retirement to take part in Ravenna’s Emilia-Romagna derby. He was involved in the move that produced the opening goal, supplying a pass during the attack which Giulio Donati finished in the 36th minute.

Ronaldinho was replaced at half-time after playing the opening 45 minutes.

“Football is the best thing that has happened to me in my life,” he told Argentina’s Diario Ole. “Those 45 minutes went by quickly. Football has always been like that for me.”

He added: “Today I had the chance to recover the joy of playing and enjoying the moments inside the dressing room. Everything is great.”

Ronaldinho’s last professional appearance came for Fluminense in 2015, and he had retired from football 11 years ago. His most recent involvement in the Italian league was during the 2010-11 season, after spending two and a half years with AC Milan before moving to Flamengo in January 2011.

During his career, Ronaldinho also represented Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Atletico Mineiro, Queretaro and Fluminense.

His return is intended to raise Ravenna’s profile. The Brazilian owns shares in the club alongside Ignazio Cipriani.

Ravenna’s victory moved them to 32 points and second place in the league table. Forli remain 15th on 15 points.