Nicklas Bendtner and Aaron Lennon set for Stadium of Light return at Ronaldinho showcase | OneFootball

Sunderland Echo understands that Nicklas Bendtner and Aaron Lennon are set for the Ronaldinho & Friends game at the Stadium of Light. Ronaldinho will captain a team of former stars against a UK Icons side led by Jermain Defoe.

The exhibition is on Monday, May 25, kick-off at five pm, one day after Sunderland’s final Premier League match against Chelsea. Brazilian greats Fábio Rochemback and Maicon are expected to be involved, while confirmed names include Djibril Cissé, Kléberson, Heurelho Gomes and Manchester United twins Fábio and Rafael. Former Tottenham and Hull City defender Michael Dawson is also set to feature.

Lennon, 39, and Bendtner, 38, have both played at the stadium numerous times. Bendtner made 30 appearances during his 2011-12 loan, finishing as Sunderland’s top Premier League scorer with eight and netting in the Tyne-Wear derby. He also scored in key wins and in a 3-3 draw at Manchester City.

After that season he returned to Arsenal, then had spells with Juventus, Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Rosenborg and FC Copenhagen. He scored 30 goals in 81 games for Denmark.

Organisers expect further additions in the coming days as both squads are finalised. Tickets are on sale via Sunderland’s website, priced from £25 for adults and £20 for concessions, with hospitality including Quinns Sports Bar and executive boxes. Club executive David Bruce called hosting Ronaldinho a privilege and said the stadium is known for big occasions, while curator Marcel Nalyan said Ronaldinho was keen to play in the UK again.

Source: Sunderland Echo