IN SPORT.ES
Former Barcelona player and Betfair ambassador Rivaldo has revealed he could have signed for Real Madrid when he left Camp Nou in 2002.
It would have been a huge move given the circumstance surrounding Luis Figo's move to the Spanish capital two years previously.
"I had the chance to sign for Real Madrid when I finished my contract with Barcelona," Rivaldo told Betfair. "There were conversations with the club, but then Milan came through with a good offer and I preferred the Italians.
"Yes, it would have been a controversial transfer if I'd signed for Madrid, which could upset Barca fans, but I was unemployed at the time, and as a professional I would not decline any conversation with interested clubs.
"I played for Palmeiras and Corinthians -- rival clubs -- in Brazil. Basically, you must be professional, always respecting clubs' history and your own history as a football player."