04/19/24
December 03, 2003
Rivaldo to Liverpool?: Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo, the "highest paid player in the world" has spent the past year and a half on the bench for AC Milan. He's now a free agent. His "associate" links him with three unnamed EPL clubs (Man U? Chelsea? Liverpool?). Where will he go? Where would he fit in best? Who needs him most? At 31, will he tone down his wage demands enough to make a deal? Will he be worth the cost?
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 01:29 PM - 13 comments
Maybe I should read the articles more carefully before I post them. I rule!
posted by worldcup2002 at 02:12 PM on December 03, 2003
right on man!
posted by garfield at 02:18 PM on December 03, 2003
But still, it would be interesting to see him mix it up in the EPL. If there really are three teams with an interest, I'm thinking Middlesborough (they already have Juninho), Man U (Kleberson) and Arsenal (Gilberto). Chelsea already look fine with the team they've got; I don't see them needing to spend top-dollar for an aging star. I also think it's the middling teams with striker problems that may need more help, so maybe it's Birmingham, Charlton or Fulham, too. These teams all have a shot at Euro competition next season, so signing Rivaldo for a year may be a worthwhile investment. Of course, I'm just talking to myself (and garfield) right now.
posted by worldcup2002 at 02:29 PM on December 03, 2003
Not that I know jack from shit, but your 'middling teams' theory sounds the soundest.
posted by garfield at 02:38 PM on December 03, 2003
Betcha Newcastle's looking at him too, as Bobby Robson can never seem to have enough strikers, and he coached Rivaldo at Barca, I believe. I doubt he'll go there, though. I don't think the "middling" teams can afford him.
posted by sauril at 02:45 PM on December 03, 2003
I think what Arsenal is really needing is some depth on the back. Does Rivaldo fit that bill? Of course, Wenger loves his strikers too, so who knows.
posted by trox at 02:47 PM on December 03, 2003
Birmingham could certainly afford him, if they wanted him, which I doubt. Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo has been offered deals by three Premiership clubs according to his associate It smacks to me of a lame attempt by an agent, or Rivaldo himself, to stir up a bit of interest, which suggests he is damaged goods. I can't stand the bloke, I hope he goes to Villa. 
posted by Fat Buddha at 03:24 PM on December 03, 2003
I think after an 18 months' benching, he will no longer be the highest paid footballer. Economics are unlikely, except for nearly-bankrupt teams like Leeds, to be an issue in his signing. I think, with the next WC three years away, he needs a stage like the EPL or Primera Liga just for visibility--how about a return to Barca to match up with Ronaldhino?
posted by billsaysthis at 03:56 PM on December 03, 2003
Yes, well... But added: 'He had an offer to play in Qatar for 1million US dollars a month, but he turned that down. Maybe Riv should have gone straight to Silvio Berlusconi about playing time rather than to the media, but Berlusconi owns the media, too, so.
posted by Philfromhavelock at 04:38 PM on December 03, 2003
Rivaldo is an asshole. His performance in the WC was disgraceful. Any team he goes to will probably immediately garner my despise. Please don't let it be Newcastle.
posted by Ufez Jones at 04:41 PM on December 03, 2003
Is it just me, or do "star players " off the Brazilian NT turn to crap once they wander onto the club level?
posted by lilnemo at 01:56 PM on December 04, 2003
Wolves actually went for Rivaldo? I'm laughing my ass off. At Wolves.
"The answer was pretty much what we expected - Rivaldo feels he has bigger fish to fry," said Jones.Actually, they should be grateful. At least now, they'll just be relegated, rather than relegated AND bankrupt. Hahahahaha.
posted by worldcup2002 at 01:41 PM on December 05, 2003
Oops. No Rivaldo to Liverpool. That's probably a good thing. However, it would be good to see more Brazilian players in the EPL, especially those of Rivaldo's quality. Maybe he'll go to Leeds. Hahahaha.