Rivaldo walks out on Milan - reports

The Brazilian ace, who has been at loggerheads with Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti in recent weeks, is believed to be unhappy at not being included in the squad for Saturday's game with Bologna.

The World Cup winner is thought to have been so incensed by the decision to leave him out of the game that he refused to watch the action, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that he has flown back to Brazil.

Rivaldo has endured a torrid time at San Siro since quitting Barcelona for Serie A over 12 months ago and he recently hit out at Ancelotti for lacking faith in him.

The skilful attacker missed the pre-season campaign with a muscular problem and was then overlooked for the opening Serie A game of the season against Ancona.

Rivaldo has threatened to quit the club if he fails to play regularly and this show of dissent could speed up his exit from The Giuseppe Meazza.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian's team-mate Andrei Shevchenko believes that Rivaldo still has a lot to offer and that Milan need him this season.

"I've seen him in a good way either here in Milan's headquarters, or with his national team," said Shevchenko. 

"Milan aren't a team made by only 11 regulars and other substitutes. We are a group and there is space for everyone.

"We have many matches and it will happen that everyone will get tired. To win we will need the help of each player."