Ronaldinho, 46, set for competitive return after 11 years, chasing 300th career goal

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, 46, is set to play in a competitive match for the first time in 11 years. A goal in his comeback appearance would bring his combined professional and national team tally to 300.

Ravenna Director Andrea Mandorlini told a news conference Friday (local time) that Ronaldinho would start in the Serie C — Italy's third division — home match against Forlì on Sunday, according to Reuters.

"He will start. There is no doubt about it," Mandorlini said. "We will decide together how long he plays. He is one of the greatest players in modern football."

Ronaldinho led Brazil to the 2002 FIFA World Cup title and is a Ballon d'Or winner. He has not appeared in a competitive match since playing for Brazilian club Fluminense in 2015.

He signed with Ravenna in June and also acquired a stake in the club. Ravenna had announced last month that Ronaldinho would feature against Forlì, but his actual participation had remained uncertain given his lengthy absence from the game.

Before retiring, Ronaldinho scored 266 goals at the club level and 33 for the Brazilian national team. One more goal Sunday would take his career total to 300.

Forlì's Simone Ravi told the news conference that Ronaldinho would take any penalty kicks Ravenna earned during the match.

Ronaldinho arrived in Italy on Friday afternoon and is expected to train once with his teammates Saturday before the match. Ravenna has installed temporary stands at its home ground, Stadio Bruno Benelli, to accommodate a larger crowd.