Football legend Rivaldo sits at home in Brazil, just over eight years after retirement, but when you talk to him about the game he played so well, the spark returns to his eyes. The word "exciting" comes up again and again in the conversation, especially when he is reminded that he is expected to return to wearing the Barcelona uniform, which will happen in a pair of exhibition games that will be held in Israel against the former stars of Maccabi Tel Aviv (5.9, Bloomfield) and Maccabi Haifa (7.9, Sammy Ofer).
The 53-year-old Brazilian was in Israel just two years ago for the "Clasico" of football legends against Real Madrid. Now he will meet the two teams that make up the Israeli Clasico, and for him the feelings are the same. "I'm very happy and excited to come to Israel again," he said in an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom, "I really love the country and the fans' affection for me. It's something I really liked and I'm happy to be back."
Rivaldo on one of his previous visits to Israel, photo: Alan Shaver
How were your previous visits here in Israel? What do you remember in particular?
"Apart from the game and the excitement of wearing the Barcelona uniform again, I loved traveling in Israel and seeing the historical places. I'm excited about it, and it's a great honor to experience it again."
This time you come to play against the legends of Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Last time you played your personal Clasico, this time these two teams are the Israeli Clasico. Have you heard about it?
"Actually, I heard. It's a very big game, and I'm happy to play with the Barcelona uniform, of which I myself am a legend, against legends who played for these two clubs. It will be a pleasure to play against them."
, Photo: Getty Images
Together with you, several other great former players will arrive in Israel. Which of them do you miss most?
"To Javier Saviola. We played so much together and were a perfect duo. All the other players who will come at a very high level, but what I did with Saviola in my career and later with the legendary games of Barcelona was very special."
Does football still do something to you?
"Of course! I'm still excited. As soon as I step onto the pitch in my Barcelona uniform, a ribbon runs through my head with all my big games at the club. That's what excites me, the memories with the uniform of this huge club are something I take with me forever."
Javier Saviola. 'We were a perfect duo', Photo: Getty Images
The Barcelona you played for and today's are in a very different situation, especially financially. What do you think are the significant differences?
"These are different times. When I played it was a special time, with Figo and Saviola. Today Xavi is building the squad and club to try to win the Champions League. The club buys good players and that's great, but the crowd wants the Champions League. In my time it was different. I wish Xavi to achieve these achievements because I only want good for the club."
Xavi. He never dreamed he would reach this level, Photo: AP
Meanwhile, with all the problems, Xavi managed to return the championship to Barca. Did you follow the success?
"I was very happy. I knew Xavi would succeed. He changed the club after a difficult period. Slowly, as he knows, I think Barcelona will be able to bring not only the title this year but go further in the Champions League."
When you played with Xavi, did you imagine he would get where he was?
"I didn't expect or imagine then. Not in the case of Xavi or Pep Guardiola, who will achieve so much as coaches. As players they showed the ability to talk and communicate, so the potential was there, but I never imagined how high they could go."
When asked who is the greatest of the last generation, Leo Messi or Ronaldo, Rivaldo's immediate answer is "Messi, of course." To hear such a decisive answer from an actor who was a great virtuoso is not a given. It was here that the Brazilian did not seek the diplomatic answer and went with his truth.
Leo Messi. "The greatest in a generation," Photo: USA TODAY Sports
The Next Big Star
Rivaldo starred for Barcelona between 2002 and 1997, winning two league titles and two trophies. Perhaps that's why he appreciates the list of titles "The Flea" has won with the Blaugrana over the years. "That's how it is in football," he explains, "Barcelona played Romario, Ronaldinho, Messi and others. They left or retired, but the club stayed. A club that has such infrastructure is capable of signing a lot of players."
"But it's hard to reach Messi's level. He arrived at the age of 12 and left an enduring mark at the club, not only because of his long time there, but because of the many titles. It will probably take many years before he has a replacement. Soon the club will probably recruit another player, but like Messi it's hard to bring in."
Rivaldo. For the third time in Israel, photo: courtesy of FC Barcelona
Who is the greatest player you've played with?
"Ronaldo phenomeno, the Brazilian".
Neymar is at the end of his career. Who is the next Brazilian star you are marking?
"Vinicius Jr. If he continues to play like he does now, he can lift a lot of trophies in the future, both with Real Madrid and with the Seleção. He is the one I recognize can take Brazilian football forward, but he has to work hard."
Football in Brazil is much more than just the game. Tell us a little bit about you as a child, your dreams, where it all starts and where your passion for acting comes from?
"Football is everything in Brazil. It's an essential part of life. Every father in Brazil wants to have sons so they can be soccer players. My father wanted three sons - and he had. I stood out more than my brothers, and at the age of 13 he recognized the potential. We had difficult times, but I wanted to fulfill my father's dream. That was the goal."
Ronaldo and Ribaldo with the World Cup, Photo: Reuters
What's the biggest moment in your career?
"Winning the World Cup with Brazil in 2002."
And the difficult moment?
"When I started at the age of 16, I came from a difficult situation, from poverty, but I fought it to succeed. I remember that well."
The defender you didn't like playing against the most?
"The great Paolo Maldini, there were a few more, but like Maldini I didn't meet."
Have you heard of Yaniv Katan or Avi Nimni?
"I heard a lot about Yaniv Katan, he played not only in Israel but also abroad. I definitely heard about him."
Finally, do you have a message for the Israeli audience?
"I am very honored to come to Israel and play with Barcelona legends. I'm very happy and excited for that. See you in Haifa and Tel Aviv."
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Both games are produced by MTR, led by Mauro Rosenshain. The company has produced several events in Israel and around the world, such as the "peace game between the stars of the Israeli national team and the legends of the Brazilian national team" and the showcase game between the legends of Barcelona and Real Madrid that took place at Bloomfield Stadium. Tickets for the games can be purchased on the GET-In website, starting at 89h per ticket.
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