Rivaldo saga ends at Olympiakos

Thursday 22 July 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

In what Greek newspapers were calling the biggest football deal in the country's history, Rivaldo was due to fly into Athens yesterday evening to finalise his move to Olympiakos - finally putting paid to Bolton's hopes of securing his services.

In what Greek newspapers were calling the biggest football deal in the country's history, Rivaldo was due to fly into Athens yesterday evening to finalise his move to Olympiakos - finally putting paid to Bolton's hopes of securing his services.

The Brazilian has been linked with several clubs over recent months, after being released by Cruzeiro in February, and held talks with Bolton - only for the deal to collapse due to the player's wage demands.

Rivaldo's English representative had been hoping to make contact with the Bolton manager, Sam Allardyce, who had said he was no longer interested in signing the Brazil World Cup winner. However, after being messed around so publicly by Rivaldo, Allardyce did not pursue the matter any further.

And, according to reports in Greece, the former Milan and Barcelona player discussed his latest move in Madrid on Tuesday with the Olympiakos vice-president, Giorgos Luvaris.

Olympiakos said the 32-year-old will sign a one-year contract with the possibility of a 12-month extension.

Bolton did finalise one deal yesterday, however, a two-year contract with Gary Speed, - though the Wales international admitted to "mixed emotions" about his £750,000 exit from Newcastle United after seven years with the club.

"Newcastle have been a fantastic club for me, especially in the professional way they have dealt with my departure," he said. "I didn't particularly want to leave but Bolton made me an offer which showed they wanted me. The moment I met Sam Allardyce and the other staff here I felt very comfortable and know I have made the right decision."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in