Rivaldo released from Milan contract

“I couldn’t cope any longer with the idea of having so little possibility of playing,” Rivaldo said in comments reported by Gazzetta Dello Sport’s website. The Brazilian added that Milan’s opening game of the season was the moment when he realised it was time to move on.

“I understood at Ancona, where I was left on the bench for the whole game,” he said. “If you don’t play in games like that, I thought, then you will never play in the big matches.

“It was also a personal decision. I am not looking to blame anyone, it is simply that I think this is the right thing to do.”

The forward, who played a major role in Brazil’s World Cup triumph in Japan and South Korea last year, joined Milan from Barcelona on a free transfer at the start of last season but has struggled to make an impact. He was forced to watch Milan’s triumph in the Champions League final against Juventus in May from the bench at Old Trafford. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said there had been no dispute or bitterness behind Rivaldo’s departure.

“The decision to mutually cancel the contract, with effect from today, was taken in absolute friendship and calmness,” said Galliani.

Rivaldo said in an interview with a Brazilian newspaper on Monday that he intended to stay in Europe should he leave the Serie A club. (Reuters)