Rivaldo set to join AC Milan -- report

MILAN, Italy (AP) -- Brazilian standout Rivaldo could be on the verge of signing a contract with Italian soccer powerhouse AC Milan, Italian sports dailies reported Friday.

The reports came shortly before a key meeting scheduled between Milan manager Ariedo Braida and Rivaldo's agent, Carlos Arini, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, later Friday.

"Rivaldo is near," Milan's Gazzetta dello Sport said in a front-page headline. "AC Milan is one step from signing the Brazilian player."

Reports said the 30-year-old Brazilian forward, who just helped his national team to clinch a fifth World Cup title, was offered a personal contract of 4.5 million euros (about US$4.5 million) a year for two to three years.

Spanish club Barcelona recently decided to end Rivaldo's contract, and there would be no transfer fee.

At AC Milan, Rivaldo could team up with strikers Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi. The transfer would also set up a remarkable Milan derby, with Rivaldo facing off against Brazil teammate Ronaldo of Inter when the crosstown rivals meet.

AC Milan's official Web site reported the media rumors about Rivaldo's transfer, without any comment.

 

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