Loading ...Aug 27 2008
Rivaldo Goes From Greece to Uzbekistan
This summer’s rumors that Samuel Eto’o might be moving to Uzbekistan might have been more than tabloid creativity, because today’s confirmed move of Rivaldo from AEK Athens to Uzbekistani side Bunyodkor proves that the Uzbek club was big game hunting. Rivaldo may have been off the mainstream footballing radar long enough to marginalize this move, but for the 36-year-old former Barcelona star, it is one huge payday more than most would get. He is a name that puts Bunyodkor into the news, if only momentarily.
Rivaldo’s spent four seasons in Greece, playing for both Olympiacos and AEK Athens. His move to AEK last year grabbed headlines, as he moved to Olympiacos’s rivals. For Athens, he put up 19 goals in 41 matches, bring is totals in Greece to 58 goals in 103 games. The Greek Super League is fair from the lowest rung of the ladder, making those totals somewhat impressive. He is probably a ways from the player he was when he left Barcelona in 2002 (yes, it’s been that long), but even at 36, he can still play.
I always felt that Rivaldo was a big underrated, probably because he was never the true focal point of those great Brazilian clubs. He was, at best, one of the Rs and frequently was overshadowed by Ronaldo. That he joined Barça the year after Ronaldo left only begged the comparisons. When Ronaldinho came to Barça right after Rivaldo left, it guaranteed that a great career in La Liga would be forgotten by some. Rivaldo is infrequently mentioned amongst Barça’s recent greats.
His move to Greece did not help cement his legacy nor will his move to Uzbekistan. But I can’t begrudge a man’s right to earn his money, particularly a man who drew up in a flavela.
Links
Rivaldo leaves AEK Athens
Rivaldo leaves AEK Athens, bound for Uzbekistan
AEK confirms Rivaldo departure
AEK confirms departure of Brazilian Rivaldo
WFP Related Posts
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.