Rivaldo poised to re-launch career
MILAN, Italy -- Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo is free to find another club after leaving European champions AC Milan.
Milan confirmed in a statement on Monday that they had ended Rivaldo's contract, which had another 18 months to run, by "common accord."
The former Barcelona forward is reportedly keen to play in England and has hinted he would be 'happy' to join Chelsea if an offer came during the January transfer window.
Milan originally agreed to release the 31-year-old in September, but Rivaldo had a change of heart and decided to stay with the club.
"We thank Rivaldo for the contribution he gave to the winning of the Champions League, the Italian Cup and the European Super Cup and wish him all our luck for the continuation of his extraordinary career," Milan said in a statement.
Since agreeing to stay on in September, Rivaldo has made one substitute appearance in the Champions League and has not featured in Serie A.
Rivaldo said in September that he was weighing up a number of offers from English Premier League clubs.
But a return to Spain, where he made his name with Deportivo Coruna before enjoying five seasons with Bara, could be another option.
Although he is now available on a free transfer, Rivaldo's wages -- he was among the top earners in Serie A -- mean he would still be a substantial investment for any club.
Rivaldo joined Milan from Barcelona after winning the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 but never managed to reproduce the form that made him such a success in Spain.
He recently described the past year as the worst of his career. "I honestly don't know why I can't find space in the team even on the bench," he said.
Rivaldo, though, has continued to be a key part of the Brazil side and scored in the recent South American World Cup qualifier against Peru.
