Winner of the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999. Winner of the FIFA World Cup Silver Boot, as his Brazil side stormed to victory in the 2002 tournament. With trophies and individual awards coming out of his ears, this decorated superstar would have been an incredible coup for Bolton Wanderers, and by all accounts, it was so close to happening. Following two hours of talks with the 32 year old forward in a Mancunian hotel, the Lancashire outfit were hopeful of concluding a deal for the World Cup winner in the spring of 2004. Having signed for AC Milan from Barcelona in a deal worth £16 million two years previously, Bolton were ready to offer the free agent a 12-month deal following a disappointing spell with Cruzeiro. Of course, the Brazilian was still a massive name, and expected his reputation to be matched with a suitable salary, which began to hold up negotiations.
''There is a chance, as long as the club offer more money and match what I'm asking. The club is good, the stadium is very nice and my challenge would be to take the club into Europe. If I reach an agreement with Bolton, I will live in Manchester.'' - Rivaldo, May 2004.
Allardyce, however, began to grow tired by Rivaldo's demands, and voiced his frustrations at the Brazilian's indecisiveness, lamenting his reluctance to give the club a final answer after holding talks with the club.
''We certainly won't be offering more money. We just won't do that so he knows what the situation is. We've taken in all kinds of waifs and strays, who were out of shape and out of sorts. Sometimes it just comes to putting an arm around a player and making him feel wanted again.'' - Sam Allardyce, May 2004.
Within a month, however, the deal was off, with chairman Phil Gartside stating that the Brazilian had 'indicated by talking to people in Qatar he is looking at the money aspect, not the football aspect'.
''We were told he wanted to resume his international career by playing in the Premiership. But that doesn't appear to be his main focus. He is not going to get that kind of exposure if he goes to Qatar.'' - Phil Gartside, June 2004.
In the end, the indecisive Brazilian plumped for a Champions League adventure in Greece with Olympiakos, despite the Qatar FA technical director stating that 'he has signed for us and is finding a place to live'. This was one saga which did not endear Rivaldo to anyone. So that's a wrap - what do you think? Have there been any obvious omissions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
