May 13, 2007	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 25, 1428

ATHENS (Greece), May 12: Brazilian superstar Rivaldo bitterly announced on Saturday that he is quitting Greek champions Olympiakos, saying the club did not keep its promises to him.

Rivaldo, 34, had been with the team for the last three seasons and received a reported 1.9millon euros (2.5 million dollars) annually.

A bitter Rivaldo said at a press conference that he will not attend Sunday's ceremonies by Olympiakos to celebrate yet another championship during their final match at home against last-place Ionikos Piraeus.

Rivaldo said that for the last 15 days he had made efforts to meet personally with Olympiakos boss Socrates Kokkalis to discuss a new contract, but without a response.

“I have not seen such conduct during my entire career,” complained Rivaldo.

“I have always been honest and professional with the teams I have dealt with in the past. I have no need for money, for me honesty counts.” He added that the Greek club owes him 390,000 euros and that he has promised to give half of that money to his foundations in Brazil and Spain.

When Rivaldo came to Olympiakos, Kokkalis then called it “the biggest transfer ever made in soccer in Greece.” The midfielder was 1999 World Player of the Year.—AFP