SportsTalk, October 17th. Brazilian star Rivaldo recently stated in a podcast that he almost left the national team and returned to Brazil before the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
In a podcast called Palmeiras Cast, Rivaldo revealed that on the eve of the 2002 World Cup, he did not know whether he would be Scolari was called up, feeling abandoned by the Selecao.
“I said at the time: ‘I don’t think Scolari will put me in the squad. If he doesn’t put me in the squad Put it in and I’ll leave.'”
Rivaldo’s former coach Carlito Arini also participated in the show. He said that he was in After learning the news, I called Rivaldo, hoping to eliminate his doubts.
“We talked a lot, and then he (Rivaldo) said to me: ‘I’m going back to Brazil, I’m not going to for the World Cup’. I replied to him: ‘Did you hurt him?’ He replied: ‘No, no. If he (Scolari) doesn’t put me in the squad tomorrow, I will pack my bags and go Leave.'”
“If you don’t know this person, you’re like, ‘Oh, you’re just lying to me.’ But I knew he was really ready to leave. I just thought: I will be at the airport to pick you up the day after tomorrow.”
Rivaldo He admitted on the show that the reason why such thoughts flashed through his mind was because of his previous experience with the national team.
“I am grateful for everything Scolari has done, taking me to the World Cup, waiting for me to recover from injury, etc. .I was indeed recovering at the time and played in Malaysiaa match. Some people said bring Denilson, and so and so, and exclude me. Players often like to get accurate information as soon as possible so that they can focus on preparations. ”
“But that’s only temporary.” Maybe it doesn’t work that way, but I don’t know. But it would be unthinkable to lose the opportunity to play for the country after recovering from injury, win the World Cup and return home with all the honors. So I said: ‘No, for God’s sake don’t count me out. ’”
