Ronaldinho, the legendary Brazilian footballer who has won the World Cup and two Ballon d'Or awards, has landed in Kolkata.
When and where will Ronaldinho visit India?
Ronaldinho landed in the capital city of West Bengal on Sunday evening.
As the city decks up for Durga Puja, the Brazilian superstar will crisscross the city meeting fans and taking part in various promotional activities.
#WATCH | Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho arrives in Kolkata, West Bengal on a two-day visit. He will participate in several programs here and will also inaugurate a Durga Puja pandal. He is also likely to meet CM Mamata Banerjee. pic.twitter.com/LUyFMTi6GA
— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2023
It is an initiative by Satadru Dutta, who is known for his role in bringing renowned football figures like Maradona, Pele, Cafu, and others to Kolkata. He also orchestrated the visit of the current FIFA World Cup champion, Emiliano Martinez, to the City of Joy in July of this year.
MORE: Indian football Asian Games debacle: What happened in the run up to the continental event?
What is Ronaldinho's schedule during his visit to Kolkata?
During his visit, Ronaldinho's itinerary is packed with exciting activities, including a visit to the iconic Mohun Bagan and East Bengal football grounds. He also plans to engage in a 30-minute football session. He will then head on to play a charity football match at Diamond Harbour FC ground.
Additionally, Ronaldinho is set to visit the Narendrapur Green Park Durga Puja pandal, which will be themed after the FIFA World Cup final's venue, the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. One of the main attractions at this venue is an 80-foot statue dedicated to the Argentine football legend, Lionel Messi.
“But if Ronaldinho visits the pandal, then we will include other football stalwarts as well and not just limit it to Messi,” added Dutta.
In a Facebook post, the footballer further revealed that he would visit Shree Bhumi Sporting, Ahirtola Yuvak Brindo, Baruipur, Green Park & Rishra.
How to meet Ronaldinho during his visit to Kolkata?
Ronaldinho will be also attending a party at the JW Marriott in Kolkata in the evening where you can get a glimpse of the former footballer and have dinner.
You can book a table starting for eight persons at Rs 1 lakh.
Will Ronaldinho meet Sourav Ganguly?
Ronaldinho revealed that he would love to meet Sourav Ganguly, aka Dada, and try to learn some cricket from the former Indian skipper.
What did Ronaldinho say about his visit?
"Hello Everybody, I will be doing my maiden trip to Kolkata this mid October and will participate in many charitable activities including visiting my R10 Football academy where I will interact with kids at Merlin Rise. Will also see the many cultural aspects and be part of the Durga Puja Festivities by visiting Shree Bhumi Sporting, Ahirtola Yuvak Brindo, Baruipur, Green Park & Rishra.
"More ever, I will also be part of a Charity football match and also grace Diamond Harbour Fc ground.
"I would also interact with sponsors and many felicitation programs and promote the beautiful game. I know Kolkata has huge Brazil fans and I am very excited to meet them.
"It would be a huge honour to meet the Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal and gift her a jersey. I know Cricket is very popular and this time I want to learn cricket from Bengals “ Dada”.
"I take this opportunity to thanks all the sponsors involved, Mr Saket Mohta from merlin who has partnered with my R10 football academy.
"Finally, Thank you Satadru for this initiative to take me to the beautiful City of joy.
"Let the Samba Magic begin this Durga Puja
Ami tomader bhalo bhashi!"
s