Brazil great,Rivaldo calls it quit with football at 41 years

Former Brazilian star, Rivaldo has finally retired from the round leather game at the age of 41.

The 2002 World cup winner had previously played for Barcelona and AC Milan. His professional football career lasted from 1991 to 2003, a period which saw him acquire 74 caps. He was FIFA World Player of the year in 1999 and was so influential for Barcelona FC between 1997 and 2002

Before his retirement, his last club was Brazilian third-tier side Mogi Mirim where he doubled as club President

Former Barcelona, AC Milan and Brazil playmaker Rivaldo has announced his retirement from playing aged 41.

The 2002 World Cup winner was playing for Brazilian third-tier side Mogi Mirim, where he was also club president.

“My history as a player has come to the end,” 

“With tears in my eyes today I would like to thank God, my family and all the support, the affection that I received during those 24 years as a player,” he said in a statement on social networking site Instagram.

“I have to thank the lovely career I have built over these years. There were many obstacles, challenges, waivers, longings, disappointments, but there were much greater joys, achievements, growth, change,” the player revealed