By Matthew Jones
June 20 2002

Rivaldo has declared his wish to see out his contract with Barcelona amid rumours he may be sold to Lazio or The Magpies. Lazio chairman Sergio Cragnotti claimed this week to have secured the first option on the purchase of the 30-year-old Brazilian. Rivaldo has declared his wish to see out his contract with Barcelona amid rumours he may be sold to Lazio or The Magpies.

Lazio chairman Sergio Cragnotti claimed this week to have secured the first option on the purchase of the 30-year-old Brazilian.

But Bobby Robson is also keen on recruiting the player as he prepares for The Magpies' return to the Champions League next season.

Both clubs' hopes of landing the Brazilian have been dented, though, as Rivaldo says he is happily settled in Barcelona and sees no reason why he should move on.

He said: "I'm getting a bit tired of these constant rumours regarding my future.

"Everything that comes out in the papers or on the television doesn't interest me at all. I have a year left on my contract and I'm staying at Barcelona."

Rivaldo is so attached to the city that he has even considered renewing his contract with Barca once his current deal expires in June 2003. But for the moment, the player is concentrating on Friday's mouthwatering World Cup quarter-final clash with England.

"We should be worried about (David) Beckham and (Michael) Owen but they'll have to keep their wits about them against us," said the forward, who will win his 64th cap tomorrow.

"Their coach will know that they should be careful when playing Brazil. It's going to be a closely-fought match as both sides know that losing will put them out of the competition.
"Brazil need to take risks and score early on. We have to play an open game and look for the win."