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.
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.
He then paid his respects at a statue of the legendary Maradona in the city.
His next stop was the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kalighat, where the football legend received a warm welcome.
Representatives from Kolkata’s renowned football clubs, including Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting, were also present and gifted Ronaldinho their jerseys.
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.
)