WATCH: Ronaldinho visits and lays down flowers on Diego Maradona’s statue on his 2-day visit to Kolkata

Ronaldinho will visit West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee next.

WATCH: Ronaldinho visits and lays down flowers on Diego Maradona’s statue on his 2-day visit to Kolkata

Ronaldinho in Kolkata. (Source: via GOAL)

The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldinho, has arrived in Kolkata, India, to open his new football academy, R10 Academy, in Rajarhat. He paid his respects to Diego Maradona by placing flowers at the Argentine legend’s statue in the city.

Welcomed by the State Minister, Ronaldinho’s visit drew thousands of fans eager to see him. He kicked off his visit by launching R10 Academy, which is located at Merlin Rise in Rajarhat. This academy, a worldwide effort by Ronaldinho, offers top-notch football training to kids. After the inauguration, the Brazilian football legend went to Lake Town, South Dumdum, to pay his respects at Diego Maradona‘s statue.

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Kolkata, known as India’s football capital, warmly welcomed Ronaldinho during his visit to Baruipur and Narendrapur. Fans, passionate about football, eagerly greeted him, with one even touching his feet for blessings. The cheers from thousands of supporters grew as Ronaldinho kicked two footballs into the crowd.

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He also received jerseys from Kolkata’s top clubs, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan representatives. During his two-day visit, Ronaldinho is set to play an exhibition game in Maheshtala, Kolkata.

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Learn More about Ronaldinho’s new football initiative, R10 Academy

To nurture football talent in the state of West Bengal, Ronaldinho’s latest football initiative, R10 Academy was inaugurated earlier this week at Merlin Rise. In collaboration with the Merlin Group, the academy will remain the only variant present in India with a total of 10 academies spread across the world. The academy will also provide scholarships and financial assistance to 10 female footballers under 14 to encourage women in sports.

Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho (Source: via The Federal)

R10 Academy comes equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for global-level training. This includes an AstroTurf football ground and dressing rooms. It also houses an all-weather football ground, where 2 matches of 5 a side and also 7 A side and 9 a side can be played side by side.

Former defender of the Indian National Team, Krishnendu Roy will coach the youth prospects along with other nationally trained coaches. Membership costs as of now are unavailable.

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