Ronaldinho, now 46, is preparing to play for Ravenna in Sunday’s Serie C derby against Forlì, more than a decade after his last competitive appearance. Zaccardo came up against the former Barcelona and AC Milan forward in an exhibition match in Zurich on November 6, representing one of the most recent opportunities to assess him on the pitch.
Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, the former Italy international admitted that the biggest question concerns the demands of a league fixture rather than Ronaldinho’s technical quality.
“Physically, it won’t be easy. I’m very curious to see how he holds up from an athletic point of view. And how long will he last? Fifteen minutes, a half, 60 minutes? The class is still the same,” Zaccardo said.
He was in no doubt that Ronaldinho has retained the qualities that made him one of the most admired players of his generation.
“Ronaldinho is always Ronaldinho. Maybe he isn’t 20 any more, but as soon as he gets the ball you can immediately see that he is in a different category. He still has the skill, he still has the smile, he still has that lightness that only he has.”
Zaccardo’s comments capture the unusual balance surrounding the Ravenna appearance. The Brazilian’s return has generated considerable interest, but the question of how much he can contribute over the course of a competitive match remains open.
Vampeta, who played alongside Ronaldinho in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team and also had a spell at Inter, has focused instead on the personal qualities of his former team-mate.
The former midfielder sent a message to Ronaldinho through an interview with TuttoMercatoWeb, welcoming him back to Italian football and wishing him well for the new adventure.
“Ronaldinho, I wish you good luck for this new adventure. You are one of the best people I have known in the world of football. An absolute phenomenon, the best in the world!”
Vampeta was equally warm when describing the Brazilian away from the pitch.
“You are an extraordinary person, one of the best athletes I have known, not only as a footballer, but also for your human qualities. A true phenomenon! Good luck, Ronaldinho! A hug from old Vamp!”
The two former players have approached the comeback from different perspectives. Zaccardo has raised the practical question of endurance after years away from professional competition, while Vampeta has celebrated the talent and character of a player he knows from their time together with Brazil.
Ronaldinho’s return will bring both questions into focus when Ravenna face Forlì at the Stadio Bruno Benelli on Sunday.