Ronaldinho in Kolkata: Football legend inaugurates Durga Puja pandal, meets aspiring footballers

Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is in Kolkata where he took part in a whole host of delightful activities. Known for his exceptional skills on the football pitch, he spent the day with the locals and was full of surprises. Ronaldinho, a legend of the sport, made his maiden visit to the city, which loves the game of football. Kolkata has earlier hosted football icons like Diego Maradona, Pele and Lionel Messi, and displayed unwavering enthusiasm for the beautiful game. Ronaldinho landed in Kolkata two days ago and was greeted by an exuberant crowd gathered at the airport. The football sensation was greeted by West Bengal minister Sujit Bose.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho enjoys dancing at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/AYrKvp2O4z

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2023

Ronaldinho was dressed in comfortable shorts, a loose-fitting t-shirt, and his signature cap. The football icon received a hero’s welcome at every turn. On Monday, he had an eventful day as he started by inaugurating the R10 Academy, a football training center located in Rajarhat near Kolkata. The event saw eager children assembled at the academy, and their patience was handsomely rewarded when Ronaldinho enthralled them with his dribbling skills. He then headed to the Sreebhumi Sporting Club puja pandal in Lake Town, Kolkata. He inaugurated the pandal and even joined his fans in a dance, waving Brazilian flags with enthusiasm.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho visits Sreebhumi Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata #Navratri pic.twitter.com/hCDwIkT1cn

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2023

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He then paid his respects at a statue of the legendary Maradona in the city.

Ronaldinho lays flowers on Diego Maradona statue in India 🕊 pic.twitter.com/pox6Eq1Enl

— GOAL (@goal) October 16, 2023

His next stop was the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kalighat, where the football legend received a warm welcome.

VIDEO | Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho, who arrived in Kolkata yesterday, meets West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at her residence. pic.twitter.com/ajJxhz9tJX

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 16, 2023

Representatives from Kolkata’s renowned football clubs, including Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting, were also present and gifted Ronaldinho their jerseys.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Brazilian Football legend Ronaldinho attended an event organised by the Emami group in Kolkata yesterday. pic.twitter.com/JBWdnq24Up

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2023

Ronaldinho then went on to inaugurate two more Durga Puja pandals on the outskirts of Kolkata in Narendrapur and Baruipur. He then took part in an Emami event, where he had a brief culinary experience. The highlight of the day was when the footballer posed with a mustard oil in one hand and a Hilsa fish in the other.