The attacking midfielder officially retired on Saturday after a 24-year career.
A World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, Rivaldo hadn’t been playing at a top level for several years and finally decided to end his career with an announcement on his Twitter and Instagram accounts.
Rivaldo was FIFA’s player of the year in 1999 but had been playing sparingly for minnow Brazilian club Mogi Mirim, where he remains president.
“With tears in my eyes today I would like first to thank God, my family and all the support (and) the affection that I received during those 24 years as a player,” Rivaldo said in a statement.
“Today, I communicate to all my fans in the world (that) my history as a player came to the end.”
“I built my career upon a miracle, (living) in (the small city of) Paulista, no financial resources, no businessman, incentives only of my family, discredited by doctors and trainers.”
“With persistence, dedication and especially with the hand of God, I came to be recognized as the best player in the world, world champion,” he completed.
