The 2002 Brazilian World Cup winner who came 'so close' to joining Tottenham
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Tottenham Hotspur came ‘so close’ to pulling off one the most dramatic transfers in 2002 as they just missed out on the signature of one of Brazil’s World Cup winners.
In 2002, one of the greatest ever Brazilian teams won the World Cup in South Korea and Japan as Luiz Felipe Scolari’s star-studded side won the nation’s fifth title.
This Brazilian team was stacked in each department with some of the game’s finest players, one of whom nearly moved to North London just after the triumph.
It would have been one of Tottenham’s most audacious coups had Daniel Levy been able to pull off a deal, however, this Brazilian superstar ended up moving to Italian giants AC Milan.
Tottenham were ‘so close’ to signing Rivaldo
BBC Sport reported back in August 2002 that Rivaldo almost joined Tottenham Hotspur from FC Barcelona, only for the then 30-year-old to instead opt for a move to Milan.
Just one year into his tenure as chairman, Daniel Levy flew to Spain to convince Rivaldo that his future should be in the Premier League with Tottenham.
It would have been one of the most sensational transfers in the league’s history, with the forward having just been a key member of Brazil’s World Cup-winning team.
Rivaldo scored in each of Selecao’s first five matches up until the semi-finals as he finished joint-second top scorer behind his teammate, Ronaldo.
Speaking after a pre-season friendly in the summer of 2002, Spurs’ manager Glenn Hoddle revealed: “We came so close to getting Rivaldo and I thought it was a touch of class for him to send us a terrific letter explaining his decision. I’ve never had that before when I’ve just missed out on a player.
“We were pipped to the post but it shows we’re going in the right direction. It’s ‘have a go at Tottenham’ time but we’re not the only club not signing players.”
What Rivaldo said about nearly signing for Tottenham
Rivaldo admitted that he was ‘very excited’ about the possibility of playing for Tottenham and thanked the North London club for their efforts in trying to sign him.
Rivaldo said: “I was very excited about the possibility of playing for Spurs and in England. I would like to thank the club for their efforts in trying to sign me.”
The forward’s contract had just expired with Barcelona and he signed for Milan on a free transfer.
