Rivaldo leaves AC Milan

MILAN (Ticker) - Rivaldo finally has parted company with AC Milan, officially canceling his contract with the club Monday.

The team confirmed in a statement that a "mutual agreement" had been reached for the Brazilian international to leave Milan.

"AC Milan want to thank Rivaldo for his contribution to the team, taking the Champions League title, the Coppa Italia and the European Supercup this year," the statement read. "We wish him the best of luck for his future career."

Rivaldo's departure did not come as a surprise as Milan vice president Adriano Galliani confirmed Friday that the Brazilian definitely would leave the club when the transfer window re-opens in January.

The former Barcelona star has been linked with a move to the Premiership and will be able to join any club as a free agent.

The 31-year-old joined the Rossoneri in June 2002 from Barca, but never managed to earn a regular place in Carlo Ancelotti's lineup. The arrival of international teammate Kaka from Sao Paulo this summer saw Rivaldo slip even further down the pecking order.

Rivaldo's disenchantment with the situation already had forced him to attempt a walkout of Milanello at the end of September after he had failed to make a single appearance in either Serie A or the Champions League.

But following a meeting with club officials, Rivaldo opted to remain in the Northern Italian city until January. However, his patience clearly had run out, and both Rivaldo and Milan decided to cut their losses.

Rivaldo's sparkling performances in helping Brazil win the 2002 World Cup led many to label him one of the best acquisitions in Milan's history. He joined the team on a free transfer from Barca that summer.

But a number of nagging injuries, coupled with the breakup of his marriage, meant the gifted playmaker was never able to recapture that form.

Rivaldo made 22 appearances in Serie A last season, scoring five goals.

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