A compilation of Ronaldinho's 45-minute cameo for Ravenna in his first match since 2015 has emerged

Ronaldinho made his first competitive start in more than a decade on Sunday as the former PSG and Barcelona forward featured for Italian side Ravenna in their Serie C clash against local rivals Forli.

The 46-year-old, who signed a player-investor contract with third-tier side Ravenna in August, was handed a place in Andrea Mandorlini's starting line-up, featuring as one of his side's three forwards.

"He will play from the start, there's no doubt," Mandorlini told reporters ahead of kick-off. "Then together we will decide how long he plays. He is one of the greatest players of the modern era. And we have to get a result."

Before the game, Ronaldinho spoke of his ambition to score one final goal in professional football, which would take his career tally to 300.

Unfortunately, he never found the back of the net, but the Brazilian was involved in Ravenna's opener. After some great close control, he beat his man before passing it to Lorenzo Lonardi, who laid it off for Giulio Donati's long-range effort.

In total, Ronaldinho registered 28 touches, completed four passes into the final third and took three corners on his Serie C debut. He was brought off at half-time.

Ronaldinho explains why he joined Ravenna

Ahead of Sunday's game, Ronaldinho revealed that his close friendship with Ravenna president Ignazio Cipriani, as well as his belief in the club's project, were the main reasons behind his decision to join the club.

Asked why he made the move, the Brazilian told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Because of the friendship we have with [Ravenna President] Ignazio Cipriani and because of the things we want for the future.

“I’m here to experience a unique, special, and distinct moment in my life, and I think it will be a special day for the other players too, perhaps. Or I hope it will be.

“Now I have the opportunity to do something in football again that makes me happy, and also to give the fans a nice day, as they experience the start of this wonderful adventure with joy. I just hope that we can all have a nice day together.”

Cipriani was keen to remind fans that Ronaldinho's involvement at Ravenna was neither a token gesture nor a marketing stunt. "His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal," he added.

If you're expecting the Brazilian to play every week, then think again. He will only make appearances in marquee matches, with the local derby against Forli being seen as one of those special occasions.

Still, it was great to see one of football's greatest players on the field again, doing what he loves most.