Nobody understands the bug for the game quite like those playing it, and a number of legendary figures have returned to football shortly after announcing their retirement.
While some made their comebacks due to financial difficulties post-football, others have returned to complete records that they so narrowly failed to achieve in their peak playing days.
We take a look at five football legends who have come out of retirement over the years.
Football legends who came out of retirement:
Ronaldinho
Over a decade on from announcing his retirement from professional football with Brazilian outfit Fluminense, Ronaldinho joined Serie C side Ravenna, initially as an investor before making his debut for the club against Forli FC.
Ravenna signed Ronaldinho on a dual player-investor contract with an eye to boosting the club's global profile, while the Brazilian will be out to score his 300th career goal.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff announced a brief retirement in 1978 -- and even played in a farewell match between Ajax and Bayern Munich -- but he returned to the game due to reported financial struggles, signing for Los Angeles Aztecs in 1979.
While not quite as romantic as Ronaldinho's return, Cruyff did enjoy plenty of success after making his comeback -- winning two Eredivisie titles with Ajax and one with fierce rivals Feyenoord .
Pele
Having previously retired from the Brazilian national team after the 1970 World Cup, Pele announced his retirement at club level in 1974 after 19 seasons with Santos FC.
American outfit New York Cosmos offered him a lucrative three year-deal in 1975, however, with the aim for his arrival to help popularise football in the United States. Aged 34, he made the switch and helped the club to a number of honours.
Rivaldo
After announcing his retirement in March 2014, Rivaldo opted to return at the age of 43 -- joining Mogi Mirim, where he was the club president.
He made his official comeback in July 2015, and just six days later featured for the Brazilian club alongside his son, Rivaldinho, with both players scoring. In August, just a month later, he hung his boots up for good.
Zico
Brazilian great Zico called time on his professional career when leaving Flamego in 1989, but he was lured back into the sport when made an offer by Kashima Antlers (then Kashima Antlers), who were set to take place in the first ever J.League campaign in 1993.
In Kashima's first-ever J.League match, a 40-year-old Zico scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 win against Nagoya Grampus.
