Michael Dawson in line for Sunderland return at Ronaldinho & Friends | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, former Tottenham Hotspur captain Michael Dawson is set to return to the Stadium of Light next month as part of the Ronaldinho & Friends fixture, with exhibition line-ups subject to change.

The ex-England international was a frequent opponent on Wearside during his Spurs career and is now poised to feature in a different setting. Sunderland will host the match on Monday, May 25, 5pm kick-off, 24 hours after their final Premier League game of the season against Chelsea.

Ronaldinho will captain a side of former stars against a UK Icons team led by Jermain Defoe.

Expected participants include Brazilian names such as Fábio Rochemback, Maicon and Gilberto Silva, along with Djibril Cissé, Kléberson, Heurelho Gomes, Manchester United twins Fábio and Rafael, plus Fernando and Anderson.

Sunderland’s chief business officer David Bruce said it is a privilege to stage the event and to welcome one of the sport’s most iconic figures, adding that the Stadium of Light is renowned for major occasions. Marcel Nalyan, the game’s chief curator, said Ronaldinho’s enthusiasm endures and that he embraced the chance to play on Wearside again.

Organisers expect further additions as both squads are finalised. Tickets are on sale via Sunderland’s official website, priced from £25 for adults and £20 for concessions, with hospitality options, including Quinns Sports Bar and executive boxes, also available.

Source: Sunderland Echo