Barcelona deny Rivaldo is for sale

Thursday, 22 March 2001 14:57

Talk of a move by Rivaldo from Barcelona to Manchester United was today dismissed by both clubs, after the Brazilian star admitted he was "flattered" by talk that the latter might bid for him. According to media reports, Barcelona president Joan Gaspart had claimed that United made a £22 million bid for the player, prompting speculation that the Spanish team might sell the player at the end of the season in order to rebuild their side.

However, Gaspart insisted that the 2000 world player of the year would remain with the Spanish team. "It's not a problem of money, but of sentiment. And the Barca club members want Rivaldo to stay. He's got a buyout clause of 15 billion pesetas (£60 million), but he doesn't want to go and the club doesn't want him to go. Therefore he won't go."

Rivaldo had earlier enthused about United's reported interest on his website www.rivaldo.com.br. "It is flattering to be linked with a club like Manchester United", he wrote. "I would only leave Barcelona for three clubs - Manchester United, Juventus or AC Milan," he wrote, before adding that "when I signed my new improved contract at Barcelona I handed over the rights of my future to them. I will abide by any decision they make."

Manchester United director of communications Paddy Harverson denied that any bid had been made. (PA)

Filed by Shane Stokes