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About a month ago, it was announced that Celtic had entered the chase to sign Rivaldo, who is a free agent. Several English Premiership clubs were also interested in getting the Brazillian's signature, including Bolton. Rivaldo supposedly responded to the interest by claiming, through his agent, that he would rather sign for Rangers.
All of this with a proposed move to England in the bag. Fair enough, a player should aim as high as possible, and with the Premiership being one of the finest leagues in Europe, why not there?
The interest from England wasn't exactly from the pick of the bunch. Bolton Wanderers were apparently at the front of the chasing pack, and manager Sam Allardyce had all but secured the Brazillian's signature.
Martin O'Neill had spoken of his interest in Rivaldo, who is 32, but it was thought Celtic had given up hope of signing the player.
Allardyce has been reported to have been frustrated at the lack of movement from Rivaldo, and it looks like the deal has fallen through.
Today, Rivaldo has spoken out, claiming he wants to be part of the Celtic team next season. Champions League football is a massive pulling point, but what kind of show would he put in against Aberdeen on a cold winter's day at Pittodrie?
Don't get me wrong, Rivaldo is a wonderful player, and I would love to see him at Celtic - if the wages and contract were sorted out in a healthy way. But it seems that whenever one deal falls through, Rivaldo speaks out, trying to lure another club to bring him for the next season.
I just hope his desire to play for Celtic lives up to what he has been claiming in today's press.
But I have no doubts he will be more successful than our last Brazillian. No doubts!