It probably won't come as a shock that Rivaldo features on a 'nearly signed for..' list. Indeed, the question often asked is who the 2002 World Cup winner didn't sign for, having penned contracts at fifteen different clubs before finally hanging up the boots at the grand old age of 42. A journeyman who lit up Europe during a five year spell at the Nou Camp, before cashing in on his European reputation and prolonging his career at various Eastern European sides with more euros than sense. However, Rivaldo's proposed transfer to White Hart Lane was in the offing immediately after Brazil's triumph at the 2002 World Cup, when Rivaldo was still a ripe spring chicken at just 30 years old. Available on a free transfer, Spurs chief Daniel Levy flew to Spain in a bid to sway the talented Brazilian. While Rivaldo would later state that he 'was very excited about the possibility of playing for Spurs and in England', his heart was ultimately set on a bigger venture, which arrived in the form of AC Milan.
''We came so close to getting to Rivaldo and I thought it was a touch of class for him to send us a terrific letter explaining his decision. Milan pushed the boat out to extortionate money to get him and they made him an offer he couldn't refuse.'' - Glen Hoddle, August 2002.
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.
