Rivaldo wants to see out Barcelona contract

Fresh from celebrating Brazil's record fifth World Cup victory, Rivaldo sought to quell speculation of a move from Barcelona, saying he would see out his contract at the top flight Spanish club.

"I will be presenting myself at Barcelona on the 22nd (July) as has been arranged," the Brazilian number 10 told a news conference on Friday.

"I want to stay at the team until the end of my contract (July 2003).

"About negotiations, only Barcelona can provide information. I don't know anything about that story of Lazio that has been published in the newspapers," he said.

The 30-year-old former World Player of the Year had several run-ins with Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal during the Dutchman's first spell in charge at the club and has been linked in the media with a move to the Italian Serie A side.

Van Gaal had insisted Rivaldo play on the left wing.

"There was a divergence of opinion," the Brazilian said. "I told him I could not play on the left, cut off in the attack, because I would not feel good. I have other qualities, I play better in the middle of the pitch.

"At that stage I was the most expensive player in the history of Barcelona and I was under pressure to perform. I could not be pinned down to one part of the field where I couldn't bring out my best football," he said.

Rivaldo, who was dogged by injury for much of last season, said he had received an injection of pain-killers in the second half of the World Cup final against Germany when he was instrumental in the two goals of the game.

"I made an ankle support with bandage to keep the ankle firmer, but it wasn't enough on its own. I had an injection of Voltaren with the consent of the (Brazil team) doctor Jose Luiz Runco to get over the pain.

"It's a normal solution to reduce pain," he said.

Rivaldo said the knee problem which almost ruled him out of the World Cup was fixed.

"I'm totally recovered now. Many people did not believe in me. But I proved at the World Cup that I'm fit to play. I got back in the game and I hope to be remembered for that.