Michael Dawson set for Stadium of Light return at Ronaldinho & Friends | OneFootball

Sunderland Echo understands former Tottenham Hotspur captain Michael Dawson is set to return to the Stadium of Light next month for the Ronaldinho & Friends fixture, with exhibition line-ups remaining subject to change. The former England defender was a regular opponent on Wearside during his Spurs career.

Sunderland will stage the game on Monday, May 25, with a 5pm kick-off, 24 hours after their final Premier League match of the season against Chelsea.

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

Organisers have lined up an expanding cast, with Brazilian greats Fábio Rochemback, Maicon and Gilberto Silva expected, alongside Djibril Cissé, Kléberson, Heurelho Gomes, Manchester United twins Fábio and Rafael, plus Fernando and Anderson. Further additions are anticipated as both squads are finalised.

Tickets are on sale via Sunderland’s official website, priced from £25 for adults and £20 for concessions. Hospitality options include access to Quinns Sports Bar and executive boxes.

Sunderland’s chief business officer David Bruce said hosting Ronaldinho is a privilege and another major occasion for the stadium. Chief curator Marcel Nalyan said Ronaldinho had long wanted to play in the UK again and embraced the chance to appear on Wearside.

Source: Sunderland Echo