NEW DELHI: Brazilian legend
Rivaldo
, who is in the Capital on a three-day tour, spoke with the media here at a city hotel on Friday. Dressed in a white tee and blue jeans, the soft-spoken 44-year-old, flaunting a tattoo on his right-arm that shows the names of his five sons, had much to say on Brazil and its football. Excerpts:
If Brazil's first Olympic gold has eased the pain of the 7-1 loss:Winning the Olympic gold was amazing. But we can never forget the 7-1 loss (against Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final) at home. It will haunt us forever. We will only be able to forget that day if we win the next World Cup.
On Brazil's dependence on Neymar:Neymar is the most important player in our national team. His absence is felt when he doesn't play. Same holds true for Barcelona. Such is his impact. I think by next year Neymar can become the world's best player.
Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho vs MSN. Who is more threatening?It was an honour to be a part of that trio. Life is like this. Times change. New players will come. My history with them will stay on forever. There is no comparison between these two different eras.
Winning the WC of 2002 or the CL in 2002-03?World Cup is the most important title I have won. There is no doubt about that. It is amazing to win something for your country. A World Cup is a World Cup.
On faking an injury against Turkey at the 2002 WC:It was a long time ago (laughs). I was fined by
FIFA
for that.