The Tigers had a good mix of their EFL stalwarts and new faces in their opening game.
Only three of their 11 new signings started – including their two most expensive transfers, with Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and Senegal defender Mendy costing more than £20m.
Swedish winger Elliot Stroud was also given a start – with Australia defender Lucas Herrington and ex-Newcastle full-back Matt Targett also coming on for bows.
By contrast, the player who crossed the free-kick for Mendy to nod in was Regan Slater, who played for the club on loan in League One, and then cost just £50,000 to sign from Sheffield United.
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The collective effort impressed BBC pundits and former England captains Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer.
“Hull’s shape was really good,” said ex-United striker Rooney. “They stuck to the job and worked hard which is what they’re going to have to do to try and stay in this league.
“And obviously, it looked like they identified a weakness in United in putting balls into the box and utilised that really well.
“All they can do is try to take as many points at home as they can. It’s a great start.”
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Shearer added: “Hull have been absolutely outstanding. They’ve been miles the better team.”
Already the predictable talk of whether Hull could even break Derby’s record low of 11 Premier League points in 2007-08 has died down.
And Jakirovic said this result might also make them more appealing to potential signings before the end of the transfer window.
“Even now, players we wanted, it might make their decision easier. We have to continue like this,” he added.
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“We had a lot of problems because we made four substitutions in our defensive line which is unusual. You have to play, you have to fight and maybe now we need more players.”
The 32-year-old Ajayi, who netted the opener after Oli McBurnie’s shot had been tipped on to the post, said: “Three points, a goal and a clean sheet – I can’t ask for more.
“We’ve tried to block out the outside noise and focused on what’s inside the building and what the gaffer is telling us.
“We came out the blocks firing, had a really good start. All in all a really good performance and something to build on for the rest of the season.
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“We know what we have in the squad, it was about proving that to ourselves and everyone else.
“We have a lot of experience in the team and it’s a good blend of young and old. We’re going to need that for the rest of the season.”
In the sports world, rolling out an over/under is synonymous with gambling. As Austin Powers once said, this sort of thing ain’t my bag, baby. No gambling guesses being made here.
Nevertheless, consider over/under a helpful way of framing some Vikings statistical guesses. Doing some predictions here is based on what was seen at the Vikings v. Ravens joint practices. Consider the five guesses below. Scroll through to see if you agree.
Vikings Statistics — 5 Over/Under Guesses
Vikings Statistic No. 1 — Blake Cashman’s Sacks at 5.5
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Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) celebrates recovering a fumble by Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via Imagn Images. with Blake Cashman pictured.
After the debut Ravens joint practice, I wrote on VT that Mr. Cashman was a heat-seeking missile. On social media, Alec Lewis (The Athletic) offered a quick word on Cashman, writing, “For some reason, Blake Cashman tends to fly under the radar. But just thinking about camp and reviewing the notes from Vikings joint practices with the Ravens, the LB was and has been just exceptional.” Cashman sets a new career high with 6 sacks.
Over/Under Prediction: OVER
Vikings Statistic No. 2 — Dallas Turner at 11.5 Sacks
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a play as Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts in the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Surpassing 12 sacks is tough. Last year, Dallas Turner led the Vikings with 8 sacks, so bumping him up by a mere 4 appears quite plausible to lots of people. Many foresee a third-year breakout and greater opportunity due to the departure of Jonathan Greenard. I think he does well and generates pressure aplenty, but put me at 10 sacks instead of 12+.
Over/Under Prediction: UNDER
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Vikings Statistic No. 3 — James Pierre at 2.5 INTs
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Jacob Thomas (39) and cornerback James Pierre (23) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He’s super long and boasts some snarl. He even stole a pass out of the sky from Lamar Jackson, who is his cousin. James Pierre has 4 INTs in his career but is in a good position for a nice workload and within a defense that’s going to generate pressure. Put me at 2 INTs despite being optimistic about what he’s going to offer.
Over/Under Prediction: UNDER
Vikings Statistic No. 4 — Jordan Mason at 999.5 Rushing Yards
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) rushes the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Picture a play where the Vikings put Justin Jefferson on the right side, prompting the defense to put its best corner over there while tasking the free safety with stepping in the WR1’s direction. The ball is snapped and Jordan Mason takes a run to the left side. Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson absolutely maul their man/men. Josh Oliver sends a defender into orbit. Jauan Jennings bullies a corner into the sideline and Max Bredeson wallops a veteran safety. Can Jordan Mason then gallop for yards?
Over/Under Prediction: OVER
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Vikings Statistic No. 5 — Justin Jefferson at 99.5 Catches
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson points across the field after a play against the Green Bay Packers during Week 18 action at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 4, 2026, as Jefferson reacted during game highlights from the 2025 NFL season finale between the longtime NFC North rivals in a late regular-season showdown. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Kyler Murray is still figuring out the chemistry component of things. There are then concerns about health, or lack thereof. Will the QB1 spot be sturdy enough to get Justin Jefferson to where Justin Jefferson should be? I think he’s sitting at 100 catches, 1,500 yards, and 8 touchdowns by the end of the season.
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jaja Santiago during a 2026 PVL on Tour game vs Galeries Tower Highrisers. –PVL PHOTO
VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — It’s been a while since Jaja Santiago-Minowa experienced this kind of love from the Philippine volleyball community.
The last time Minowa saw action in the Premier Volleyball League, she played in a bubble in front of an empty crowd in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, where she dominated as Open Conference and Finals MVP to deliver Chery Tiggo its maiden pro crown by outlasting Creamline.
Five years later, Minowa made her homecoming as a member of her former rival, towing Creamline past Galeries Tower, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21, to save the best for last in the PVL On Tour on Saturday night at Victorias City Coliseum here.
“It’s honestly so amazing and something we’re really proud of to see so many people watching and supporting us today,” Minowa told the reporters in Filipino.
“Even though it was already late here, they still stayed up to support us and really made the effort.”
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The last time Jaja Santiago-Minowa played in the PVL, she was in a bubble set-up.
“We’re so grateful because volleyball in the Philippines is really growing, and we’re so happy to feel that kind of support from everyone,” she added.
Minowa showed flashes of her old form against the young HighRisers, scoring six points on six kills from 13 attempts.
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She was also honored to be part of a crowd-favorite team like Creamline, getting a memorable experience before she heads to the US next year to play in League One Volleyball.
“When you’re inside the court and you hear cheers like that, you really get carried away. The fans give you so much energy and strength while you’re playing. I always say that this crowd, these fans, are also one of the reasons why we’re here,” she said.
“We’re really inspired by the effort they make to come watch and support us, and hopefully, through our game, we can inspire them too.”
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The 6-foot-5 middle blocker, now a Japanese citizen after years of playing as an SV.League import, shifts her focus to the Invitationals, where Creamline will face defending champion PLDT, Nxled and Farm Fresh, as well as Thailand’s EST Cola and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.
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“It’s honestly overwhelming to be able to play here again in the Philippines,” Minowa said.
Ryan McMahon was placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 left thumb sprain Friday, but the New York Yankees third baseman said he’ll just miss the minimum amount of time.
“Not great news. Could have been worse,” McMahon said before the Yankees opened a three-game series with Toronto. “Obviously I’m not happy with it, but thankful that most likely no surgery and just the minimal time.”
McMahon was injured on a play at second base in Wednesday’s 5-3 win at Baltimore. He singled in the second inning and jammed his thumb when he was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double.
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“Just felt like it probably would have been a couple more days where he’s maybe a little bit compromised,” manager Aaron Boone said. “So I kind of don’t want to create anything habit-wise that’s bad, so just felt like probably the right thing to do here.”
(Photo by Colton Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
McMahon said he felt fine in the field, but was having a difficult time swinging — though he was able to take swings in the batting cage.
“I feel like with what these games meaning as much as they are down the stretch, me going out there at 50% probably wasn’t the best,” McMahon said.
McMahon is hitting .218 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs in 108 games. McMahon also missed 10 games earlier this season with a throat infection.
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To fill McMahon’s roster spot, Max Schuemann was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Schuemann batted .194 in 40 games earlier this season, but his stay on the Yankees could be short if Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a left hamstring strain.
Bellinger started his minor league rehabilitation assignment Thursday, was scheduled to play again Friday before taking Saturday off and could return Sunday.
(Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Fried will throw a side session Saturday and if it goes well, the left-hander could be on track to return from the 15-day injured list when first eligible next week.
Fried was placed on the IL on Monday and the move was retroactive to last Friday, a day after he pitched five innings in a 1-0 loss to Seattle.
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“I’ve been feeling good,” Fried said. “Not ideal coming out of my last start with a little soreness, but all in all we’re really encouraged.”
Fried missed 57 games with the same injury from May 14-July 22 after exiting a start in Baltimore with pain following three innings on May 13.
“Before, it was definitely more intense, more pain,” Fried said of the differences between injuries. “I would say that it felt similar, but on a smaller scale. I just wanted to be as transparent as I could be with the medical staff and coaching staff.”
Fried is 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 15 starts this season. He’s 0-1 with a 1.82 ERA in five starts since returning from his first IL stint July 22.
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“We’re encouraged,” Boone said. “I think the last couple of days have been good for him. Kind of talking to him, he probably could have made his last start maybe, but hopefully this gives (it) a chance to calm down a little bit, too. If everything goes well with that side tomorrow, then we could do a live (throwing session) at some point early in the week to hopefully set him up when he’s eligible.”
Fury, on the other hand, seems to have expressed no preference and is happy to accommodate Netflix’s request for an event at Madison Square Garden, New York.
It would also appear that Hearn, after digging his heels in for the last few weeks, is now coming to terms with the likelihood of a stateside showdown.
The Matchroom promoter has, after all, presented an addendum to Sela – the Saudi Arabia event organisers and financers – effectively listing a series of demands on behalf of Joshua.
In response, Hearn has taken to social media and reminded the 38-year-old that there are existing contracts.
“[Fury’s comments are] all good fun but [lack] any substance, as usual. When he says ‘it looks like AJ has pulled out of the fight’ – we can’t pull out of the fight because we have signed a contract.
“We follow contracts, so we are just waiting on the date.”
While Hearn attempts to resist a location change, the amending of contracts could see Joshua return to the scene of his seventh-round stoppage defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
There are 15 games on today’s MLB schedule. Four will air on FOX or FS1: Nationals at Marlins nationally on FS1, followed by a regionalized FOX window featuring Pirates at Dodgers, Giants at Red Sox and Cubs at Mariners. The Dodgers and Cubs enter the weekend with two of baseball’s strongest records, while Boston is above .500. Viewers will receive one of the three FOX matchups based on their market and should check local listings. The FOX and FS1 coverage available in each market is streaming live and on demand on FOX One.
Washington and Miami enter the weekend clustered near the middle of the National League standings. Nationals probable starter Jake Irvin (2-7, 5.80 ERA) faces Marlins probable starter Eury Pérez (6-9, 3.23 ERA).
Venue: UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles enters the weekend with one of baseball’s top records, while Pittsburgh is trying to climb into the National League postseason race. Pirates probable starter Jared Jones (2-5, 4.78 ERA) matches up with Dodgers probable starter Tarik Skubal (7-7, 2.85 ERA).
Boston enters the weekend above .500 and in the American League postseason chase, while San Francisco is looking to gain ground in the National League. Giants probable starter Blade Tidwell (0-0, 4.33 ERA) faces Red Sox probable starter Sonny Gray (15-3, 2.65 ERA).
Chicago brings one of the National League’s strongest records into Seattle, while the Mariners are trying to move back into the American League postseason picture. Cubs probable starter David Peterson (7-7, 5.29 ERA) faces Mariners probable starter Bryan Woo (9-8, 4.10 ERA).
FS1 carries Nationals at Marlins nationally. FOX’s 7:15 p.m. ET window is regionalized, so viewers will receive Pirates at Dodgers, Giants at Red Sox or Cubs at Mariners based on their market. Check local listings for the FOX game in your area. The FOX and FS1 coverage available in each market is streaming live and on demand on FOX One
Out recovering from a calf strain since late April, the 36-year-old New York Yankees slugger strained his other calf while running, manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Saturday.
“We’re not ruling anything out. He’ll obviously continue to work to try to get it right and hopefully be available but obviously, we’re at a point in the calendar where it gets challenging, but you also never know,” Boone said.
Stanton has appeared in only 24 games this season, hitting .256/.302/.422 with three home runs and 14 RBIs.
The Yankees entered Saturday sitting just three games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for top spot in the American League East. They hold the No. 1 AL wild-card spot.
Michael Carrick was asked about Patrick Dorgu’s half-time substitution after Man Utd’s defeat against Hull on Saturday.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has no concerns about Patrick Dorgu following his half-time substitution against Hull on Saturday.
Dorgu had attempted three shots by half-time at the MKM Stadium, which was more than any other player, but they lacked quality and Carrick replaced him with Marcus Rashford for the second half.
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The Denmark international was signed to play as a left wing-back in Ruben Amorim’s system, but he has been relocated to the wing by Carrick.
Dorgu has exclusively played as an attacker during Carrick’s tenure, but he is now set to face competition from Rashford, who offered more in the second half against Hull.
When Carrick was asked if he would have to put an arm around Dorgu following his half-time substitution, he said: “Pat’s fine, we love him to bits. He’s a fantastic player, Pat. He’s a great character.
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“He’s a big part of what we do, and he will be. So it was just one of those decisions. It’s nothing personal. Sometimes you’ve just got to make them, you know, trying to do something a little bit different.”
United could not find a way to score after the change and Benjamin Sesko looked isolated when he was introduced with just over 20 minutes remaining.
“We changed things around a little bit in the second half and we kept trying to find a different way, a little bit of finding the spark. It happens, it does happen, it has happened before,” said Carrick.
“We’ve just got to keep finding those solutions, you know, and a little bit is that Ben’s been out for quite some time and hasn’t trained an awful lot. So there are kind of little bits of reasons for it.
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“Bryan [Mbeumo] has been really good for a lot of pre-season and was one of our better players again today.”
Do the Vikings want game-changing speed at RB3? Or, perhaps, is there a desire for somebody who is more understated but still intriguing?
Vikings runner Zavier Scott doesn’t generate a ton of fanfare. In fact, it would be quite easy to forget that Scott locked down the team’s RB3 job last year. Every so often, Kevin O’Connell cooked up unique plays to lean on the runner’s background as a receiver. Does that desire for a well-built, versatile depth RB continue into what’s looking like a fascinating Vikings season in 2026?
Vikings Runner Zavier Scott: Versatile, Works Hard, & Boasts a Nice Build
Zavier Scott didn’t set the world on fire in 2025. However, he did get involved, at least in a modest manner.
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The depth skill guy was involved in sixteen games. Added together, Scott ran the ball 32 times for 114 yards and 0 touchdowns. Averaging 3.6 yards per carry isn’t great. He then turned 16 targets into 14 catches for 98 yards and 1 touchdown. Again, not sizzling, but a pretty high ratio of targets turning into catches even within the acknowledgement that averaging 7 yards per reception isn’t a terrific number.
Oddly enough, Scott didn’t earn a huge workload on specials. His 105 snaps on offense stood alongside 149 snaps on special teams. Seeing him prove more capable of chewing up special teams work would do much to help his chance of sticking around.
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands off to running back Zavier Scott (36) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Check out what Lance Zierlein had to say on the now Vikings runner going into the 2023 NFL Draft: “Scott is a fun watch on tape thanks to his versatility and the passion he shows on the field. He’s a big athlete who plays fast and with good determination, but he will be much more intriguing for teams with creative play-callers who are looking for multi-dimensional prospects.”
Further from Zierlein: “While he’s not a pure running back, he does possess running back talent and the same can be said about him as a receiver, although he needs much more polish. His toughness with the ball in his hands and potential roster flexibility make him worthy of Day 3 consideration.”
The draft arrived in 2023 arrived and nobody took the plunge. So, Scott got scooped up by the Colts. Going over to Indianapolis involved earning $45,000 in guaranteed money, per Over the Cap. For context, that was the same year that Minnesota onboarded Ivan Pace, doing so for $236,000 as guaranteed money in the linebacker’s deal.
What then followed was practice squad work for the Colts before going to the same assignment with the Vikings in 2024. There was then a full-time job on the Vikings’ roster for the 2025 season.
Part of what’s making life tough for Scott is the presence of Demond Claiborne. Neither of Aaron Jones nor Jordan Mason got shown the door. All that was done to adjust the RB room was to bring a 6th-Round speed demon to town. Claiborne isn’t perfect but he’s got wheels that can’t be taught. Quite possibly, the rookie runner is the Vikings’ fastest player.
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott (36) gets a first down on a reception against Green Bay Packers safety Jaylin Simpson (38) in the fourth quarter during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
At Vikings training camp, Zavier Scott had quiet moments of success.
In one special teams rep I saw, Scott clearly won the 1-v-1 competition. On another occasion, I saw him hanging behind at practice unusually long for extra work. And then there’s just the basic criteria that Zierlein highlights in his scouting report and then was evident in Minnesota’s ’25 season. Scott boasts good size and has soft mitts. Coaches will be intrigued, especially those with a penchant for tossing a curveball here and there.
Look for Zavier Scott later on today. Not only will the catches and runs count but so, too, will his abilities as a pass blocker. Keeping the QB’s jersey clean will do wonders for his chance to make the final roster.
Scott wears the #36 jersey. The 27-year-old depth runner stands at 6’1″ and weighs roughly 220 pounds.
Angers and LOSC Lille get underway in the 2026-27 French Ligue 1 campaign when they square off at the Stade Raymond Kopa on Sunday. Having won the four meetings between the teams since August 2024, Davide Ancelotti’s men will be aiming to extend their two-year streak against the hosts and secure a seventh straight league victory on the road.
It was another forgettable league display from Angers last season as they secured a 13th-placed finish in the Ligue 1 standings, just four points above the relegation playoff spot.
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Stephane Gilli’s side lost 16 of their 34 league games, while picking up nine wins and nine draws to collect 36 points, equalling their total points tally from the 2024-25 season, when they finished 14th in the table.
Angers head into Sunday’s season curtain-raiser without a win in nine straight Ligue 1 matches (4D 5L), but they will draw inspiration from their solid display in pre-season, where they picked up two wins and two draws from their five friendly games.
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Elsewhere, Lille enjoyed an impressive league campaign last season, when they clinched third place in the Ligue 1 standings to secure a return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2022.
Ancelotti’s side picked up 18 wins and seven draws from their 34 league matches to collect 61 points, just two points above fifth-placed Olympique Marseille in the Europa League qualifying places.
Like Angers, Lille head into Sunday’s season opener off the back of a solid pre-season campaign, where they picked up two wins and two draws from five matches.
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Angers vs LOSC Lille Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
With nine wins from the last 21 meetings between the sides, Lille boast a slight upper hand in the history of this fixture.
Angers have picked up two fewer wins in that time, while the spoils have been shared on five occasions.
Lille have won each of their last four games against Angers, scoring six goals and keeping four clean sheets since a 1-0 loss in April 2023.
Angers are without a win in six straight Ligue 1 home games, losing three and picking up three draws since a 1-0 victory over Toulouse back in February.
Angers vs LOSC Lille Prediction
While they will aim to continue their form from pre-season into the new league campaign, Angers will need to be at their best against a well-drilled Lille side who have won their last four encounters.
Ancelotti’s side are on a run of six consecutive away wins in the league, and we see them coming away with the desired result here.
Prediction: Angers 0-2 LOSC Lille
Angers vs LOSC Lille Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Lille to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals – No (There have been fewer than three goals scored in the last eight meetings between the two teams)
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Tip 3: Over 4.5 cards – No (There have also been fewer than five bookings in four of the last five meetings between the two teams)
Brazil legend Ronaldinho has announced a surprise return to football at the age of 46, with the former Barcelona and AC Milan star joining Italian third-tier club Ravenna.
Thousands of fans gathered at a city beach for “Ronaldinho Day” despite heavy rain to welcome the former Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker.
Ronaldinho retired from professional football in 2015 but will now become a shareholder at Ravenna and could feature for the Serie C side.
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“I’m very happy to be here with friends. We have a team that can do something good,” Ronaldinho said.
Asked if fans would see him play, he replied: “I don’t know, only the coach knows that. Coming back to Italy is wonderful. I’m here to help my teammates win.
“As you can see, I’m in shape, I feel good. If I could score my 300th goal, that would be even more beautiful.”
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Ronaldinho played his last official match for Brazilian club Fluminense in September 2015.
The former Brazil international enjoyed a highly successful career, winning the 2002 World Cup and scoring the winning goal against England in the quarter-finals. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2005.
Ravenna owner Ignazio Cipriani first announced Ronaldinho’s comeback in June while attending the World Cup in Miami.
“His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal,” Cipriani said.
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“His involvement is not a token gesture or a marketing stunt to get people talking about us.”
Cipriani confirmed that Ronaldinho will not play against Reggiana in Ravenna’s Serie C season opener on Monday.
Ravenna finished third in Group B of Italy’s third tier last season and are hoping to win promotion to Serie B, where they have not played since 2008.
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