Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho announced his trip to the city ahead of the Durga Puja celebration. This will be the three-time Ballon d’Or winner’s first trip to the football-obsessed city, which has played host to many legendary players over the history of the game, including Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. Scroll down to read Ronaldinho To Visit Kolkata Ahead Of The Durga Puja.
Ronaldinho To Visit Kolkata Ahead Of The Durga Puja
The 43-year-old said on his official Facebook page, “Hello Everyone, I will be doing my maiden trip to Kolkata this mid-October. I know Kolkata has a huge number of Brazil fans, and I am very excited to meet them,” he continued. He will also “gift a jersey” to Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal.
He went on to say that he wanted to “learn cricket” from the legendary Sourav Ganguly. He said, “I am aware of how well-liked cricket is, and this time I wish to learn the game from Bengal’s “Dada.” I would also engage in sponsorship interactions and several felicitation programs while advancing the beautiful game. This Durga Puja, let the Samba Magic begin… I adore you all, Ami tomader bhalo bhashi.”
An official with knowledge of the situation informed PTI that the Brazilian is scheduled to arrive on October 16 and stay in the city for two days before traveling to Dhaka.
The 2002 World Cup champion will play in a charity football game, meet with students at a football academy, and unveil Durga Puja pandals all across the city in addition to participating in the event.
About Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho made his professional debut in 1998. He relocated to Paris Saint-Germain in France when he was 20 years old before joining Barcelona in 2003. He received his first FIFA World Player of the Year award during Barcelona’s 2004–05 La Liga championship season, his second with the club. He played a key role in Barcelona winning the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League, their first in fourteen years, and another La Liga championship, giving Ronaldinho his first career double and earning him the 2005 Ballon d’Or and his second FIFA World Player of the Year in the process.
The following season is regarded as one of the best of his career.
Ronaldinho became the second Barcelona player, after Diego Maradona in 1983, to get a standing ovation from Real Madrid supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu after scoring two magnificent solo goals in the first El Clásico of the 2005–06 season.
