“If I scored that goal today, it would be even more remarkable.”
These are the words of Rivaldo, Betfair ambassador in the special episode of “Fala, Rivaldo!”, anniversary edition, with questions from fans and national idols like Cafu and Giovanni.
The full interview with the champion is available on the Betfair channel on YouTube.
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Rivaldo’s great friend
To celebrate the anniversary, the betting company invited Giovanni, with whom Rivaldo played for Barcelona, the Brazilian National Team and Olympiacos, to the special program. In addition to the congratulations, the former striker asked Rivaldo which was the most memorable game of his career.
“Giovanni is a brother that football gave me. We are always in touch, we are always together playing for the Barcelona veterans. He is a guy who helped me a lot when I went to Greece, with our friendship during the 98 World Cup, and even in my arrival at Barcelona, his friendship was always very important to me,” said the former Brazilian national team player.
Regarding the memorable game, Rivaldo highlighted the match against Valencia, in the Spanish Championship.
“There are several games, but the one that stood out the most was the game against Valencia in 2001. I would like to relive that game, if I scored that goal today, with social media and everything we have today, that 3-2 would be even more remarkable for the fans,” he commented.
He also recalled the situation of that match and how the victory was crucial for the Catalan club.
“It was the last game of the championship and Valencia was playing for the draw, while Barcelona needed to win to finish in fourth place and secure a spot in the Champions League. And scoring the goal the way I did, at the end of the match and that gave the classification for Barcelona, was spectacular,” said the birthday boy.
Captain of the Penta
Another idol of Brazilian football who participated in the congratulations to Rivaldo was Cafu, captain of the Pentacampeonato Mundial of the Brazilian National Team in 2002. The right-back of Brazil in three World Cups sent a special message to the Betfair ambassador.
“Rivaldo, captain Cafu speaking. Congratulations, Rivaldo, health and much peace. May you continue to be this unique guy, who makes me proud, honored and satisfied to have known you and played with you. Whoever doesn’t know you, doesn’t know the wonderful guy you are! Congratulations,” said Cafu.
Moved, Rivaldo described his national team partner.
“Cafu was a great captain. Respected by everyone and with a gigantic history, playing three World Cups. He lives in my heart and has always been a partner and always stood with the players,” commented Rivaldo during the program.
But the big surprise was the question from the former right-back of the National Team.
“Rivaldo, have you ever had a ninja coach?” questioned the captain.
The question that aroused everyone’s curiosity was answered in parts, leaving a mystery in the air.
“I can say I know a ninja coach, but explaining is more difficult. I’ll let him explain it on his birthday,” joked the five-time champion.
Goal in the World Cup
One of the fans’ questions to Betfair’s ambassador was about the feeling of not winning the award for best player of the 2002 World Cup.
According to Rivaldo, his main objective was accomplished, which was to bring the Penta to Brazil.
“I’m glad he said that, it’s a sign that I did well in 2002. But the most important thing for me was to play well and be world champion, especially after coming up short in 98 against France. I wanted to be champion and not be the best of the cup because the title would be marked for me, for my family and for all of Brazil,” he recalled.
He also commented on how this question is a recurring one since the last cup.
“If I had won the award, it would have been great. But I didn’t get sad, because I played very well in the World Cup and I always see the fans saying that I was the best of the World Cup, in addition to winning the title, which was the most important,” he revealed during the episode.
Europe being a showcase for Brazil
Answering a fan’s question about the changes within Brazilian football, Rivaldo commented that Brazil has reversed roles with the European continent, with Europe now being the showcase and Brazil mirroring the football developed by them.
“Everyone knows that Brazilian football has changed a lot. Today, Brazil mirrors a lot the football of Europe and before it was the other way around, the whole world looked at our football and how our players played. Today all Brazilian coaches and players look at European teams and selections and try to apply that here,” concluded the World Cup champion.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
The first, second and third episodes are available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
