Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho made a shock return to the game at the age of 42, and made a hilarious joke to the referee in the process.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan star, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, was playing in a charity match in his home country when he made his return.
The match was organised by the Ronaldinho Institute, a charity set up by the former footballer to help underprivileged children in Brazil.
Ronaldinho, who retired from professional football in 2018, was playing for the Ronaldinho Institute team against a team of former Brazil internationals.
The match was played in a light-hearted atmosphere, with Ronaldinho joking with the referee and his opponents throughout.
At one point, Ronaldinho even asked the referee if he could take a free-kick from the halfway line, to which the referee replied: “No, Ronaldinho, you can’t do that!”
To which Ronaldinho replied: “Why not? I’m still the same player I was before!”
The crowd erupted in laughter at the joke, and Ronaldinho went on to score a goal in the match, which ended in a 3-3 draw.
Ronaldinho’s return to the game was met with great enthusiasm from the crowd, who chanted his name throughout the match.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan star was clearly delighted to be back on the pitch, and said afterwards: “It was great to be back on the pitch and to be able to play with my friends.
“It was a great experience and I’m very happy to have been able to help the Ronaldinho Institute.”
Ronaldinho’s return to the game was a reminder of his greatness, and a reminder of the joy that football can bring.
It was also a reminder of the importance of giving back, and of the power of sport to bring people together.
Ronaldinho’s return to the game was a reminder of why he is still so beloved by football fans around the world.