Ronaldinho Ignites Durga Puja Festivities, Casts Spell On Kolkata Football Fans

Wearing his infectious goofy grin, 'Samba Magician' Ronaldinho cast a spell on the football-crazy denizens of Kolkata as his arrival for a two-day visit in Kolkata ushered in an early onset of the Durga Puja festival. The Durga Puja, the grandest festival in the region, traditionally commences on the sixth day (Shasthi) following Mahalaya, but it got rolling on the second day itself with the 'Gaucho' inaugurating a series of pandals. On a day Union Home Minister Amit Shah also came to inaugurate a Durga Puja pandal, it was the Brazil legend who took all the limelight. Wherever he went, chants of 'Ronaldinho, Ronaldinho' and 'Brazil, Brazil' echoed through the crowd, as hundreds of fans eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of the former Barcelona and AC Milan star.

Ronaldinho got himself dressed up in casual shorts, a loosely-fitted navy blue T-shirt, and topping it with his signature snapback cap.

"Muchas gracias. Mucho carino (many thanks, much affection)," the 'King of Jogo Bonito' conveyed with 'I Love You' gesture with his goofy smile captivating his fans who followed him everywhere he went.

The 43-year-old Brazilian great, who checked in late on Sunday, defied jetlag and began his day heading to inaugurate his academy -- "R10" -- at Merlin Rise residential complex on the eastern suburbs.

Hundreds of kids of various age groups gathered at the academy to catch a glimpse of their favourite Brazilian star, who shot himself into limelight with his extraordinary dribbling skills, close ball control, and creativity on the field during their 2002 World Cup triumph, the last one for the five-time champions.

A giant screen on the backdrop of the stage showed Ronaldinho's magical football moments, including his spectacular