Legendary footballer Ronaldinho to grace India

Ronaldinho will inaugurate the Nagjee International Club Tournament in Kozhikode.

New Delhi: Indian fans will be blessed once again as one of football world's biggest heroes Ronaldinho is expected to visit the country later this month.

Ronaldinho was a part of Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning squad and played an important role in the world's biggest sporting extravaganza.

According to a report in The Times of India, the former Barcelona and AC Milan player will inaugurate the Nagjee International Club Tournament, which is being revived after 21 years. A grand function in Kozhikode, Kerala will be held later this month.

Although the tournament is expected to start from February 5, the tournament organisers have decided to advance the inaugural ceremony to match Ronaldinho's convenience.

Ronaldinho is likely to arrive in Kozhikode on January 24. The tournament's organisers are planning to have a grand function the next day at a city hotel where the guest of honour would unveil the trophy of the tournament.

P Haridas, secretary of Kozhikode Football Association, stated that it is a big honour to bring the Brazilian star to the city as there will be a grand tribute to mark the revival of the prestigoiuos tourney.

Although Ronaldinho had earlier visited India in 2012, this will be his first time being associated with football reasons. Last year former Brazilan and world legend Pele had visited the country as he was the chief guest who had inaugurated the 2015 Subroto Cup.

The tournament has already seen seven foreign teams confirming their participation, from South America to Europe. An Indian U-23 club side's participation in the tourney is being planned by the organisers.