Rivaldo opts to stay in Brazil

Rivaldo has kept his place in the Brazilian national team

World Cup winning striker Rivaldo has signed for Cruzeiro, according to the Brazilian club's website.

Rivaldo had been widely linked with a move to Saudi club Al Ittihad.

But his agent said on Sunday that the former AC Milan forward wanted to stay in his native Brazil instead.

Rivaldo, who has been a free agent since being released by the Italian club, has signed a one-year contract with the Brazilian club.

Rivaldo played under Cruzeiro coach Vanderlai Luxemburgo at Palmeiras in the team which won the Brazilian championship in 1993 and 1994 and in the Brazil side that won the Copa America in 1999.

The 36-year-old was a pivotal part of Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning team and has retained his place in the side despite being out of favour with Milan.