Ronaldinho handed over the Nagjee trophy to the organisersto mark the inauguration of the tournament, to be played from February 5-21, at a civic reception hosted to honour him at the Kozhikode beach today.
The trophy was handed over to him by Sait Nagjee's family at the function.
Although the tournament will commence only from February 5, the inaugural ceremony has been advanced to suit Ronaldinho's convenience, according to the organisers of the tournament.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan player is the brand ambassador of the Nagjee International Football Club tournament.
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"I am supporting the work carried by Football for Peace Global and proud to be the Guest of Honour of Nagjee International Club Football tournament and becoming a footballer for peace," the 2002 World Cup winning Brazil team member said.
The Kozhikode District Football Association (KDFA) and Mondilal Sports LLP are hosting the tourney. A UK based charitable Trust, Football for Peace Global (FfP) will be the charitable partner with Aster MIMS in the tournament.
Earlier on his arrival for a two day visit to the city, Ronaldinho was given a rousing reception at the Karipur International airport, near here, this morning.
He was received by the KDFA President, Siddique Ahmed and A Pradip Kumar, MLA.
Hundreds of football lovers, waiting since morning to have a glimpse of their hero, received him with great enthusiasm.
Organisers and security officials had a tough time handling the surging crowd and it took Ronaldinho nearly half an hour to come out of the airport.