Rivaldo off to Uzbekistan

Brazilian superstar receives lucrative offer

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 25th August 2008

rivaldo aek athens

Rivaldo: Difficult decision

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Former World Player of the Year Rivaldo is set to take up an offer from a wealthy Middle-Eastern club.

The veteran playmaker is currently on the books of AEK Athens, but admits that the offer from Uzbekistani outfit Bunyodkor is too good to turn down.

The Brazilian superstar still has one year left to run on his contract in the Greek capital, but will now break that agreement.

"I ask for forgiveness from the AEK supporters, but you can't say no to such a proposal," Rivaldo told NovaSport FM.

Positive

"It has been a tough day. I had to make a difficult decision.

"Something very positive has come up late in my career and I cannot turn it down.

"Things have happened so quickly and I have to go. Anyone else in my position would not say no to the deal."

Rivaldo did not reveal the financial terms involved, but Bunyodkor are known to have offered Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o a $30million (£16.2m) deal earlier this month.

The 36-year-old also confirmed he had reached a mutual agreement with AEK to terminate his contract, with neither side owing compensation.