Rivaldo, who turns 50 in April, achieved much, much more. I hope to achieve more and become an idol for the club's fans.' The modest young man replied between sips on a fresh coconut: 'My dream is already being realised to play for Santa Cruz. As a result, a TV reporter had sought him out, keen to discuss his career ambitions.
He had recently made headlines having looped in a perfect, neck-straining header on debut for local side Santa Cruz. His cheeks appeared sunken, the result of having lost most of his teeth to chronic malnutrition in his early teens.