Kolkata: The city of joy witnessed a festive frenzy as Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaucho arrived in Kolkata for a two-day visit on Sunday night. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, inaugurated Durga Puja pandals in Baruipur and Narendrapur in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Monday evening.
Ronaldinho, who was dressed in casual shorts, a navy blue T-shirt, and his signature snapback cap, received a warm welcome from the enthusiastic crowd that gathered to catch a glimpse of the ‘Samba Magician’. Chants of ‘Ronaldinho, Ronaldinho’ and ‘Brazil, Brazil’ echoed through the air as the 43-year-old Brazilian great showed his trademark goofy grin and expressed his gratitude and affection to his fans.
Ronaldinho also paid his respects to Goddess Durga, the supreme deity of Hinduism, by offering prayers and flowers at the pandals. He showed curiosity and interest in the rituals and the culture of West Bengal, which is celebrating its biggest festival of the year. He also paid tribute to a statue of Argentine icon Diego Maradona, who had visited Kolkata twice in 2008 and 2017.
Earlier in the day, Ronaldinho met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her residence in Kalighat. He was greeted by officials of the ‘Big Three’ clubs of Kolkata – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting – who presented him with their jerseys and souvenirs. Ronaldinho also inaugurated his academy – ‘R10’ – at Merlin Rise residential complex in the eastern suburbs, where he interacted with hundreds of kids and showcased his skills on the ball.
Ronaldinho, who won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and several club trophies with Barcelona and AC Milan, announced his plans to visit Kolkata earlier this month on his Facebook page. He said he would participate in many charitable activities, including visiting his R10 football academy and being part of the Durga Puja festivities by visiting Sreebhumi Sporting Club. He is expected to leave Kolkata on Tuesday after attending a few more programs.
