Rivaldo dismisses talk of Milan departure

Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo has moved quickly to dismiss talk that he wants to leave AC Milan.

On Sunday an English tabloid newspaper quoted the former Barcelona playmaker as saying he was keen on joining English giants Liverpool.

However, Rivaldo insisted Monday the paper made the story up and that he was perfectly settled at Milan.

"I have no intention of leaving Milan as I am very happy here," said the 30-year-old former European Footballer of the Year.

"I have not spoken to any English journalists lately. The last contact I had with an English journalist was two months ago at an event organised by my sponsor, and on that occasion I gave no indication that my future was away from Milan."

English tabloid the News of the World had quoted Rivaldo as saying:

"If I could choose my next team, and if they want me, it will be Liverpool.

"It would be an honour for me to wear their red shirt and I would regard it as a dream to play alongside Michael Owen."

Rivaldo joined Milan on a free transfer in the summer after falling out with now departed Barcelona coach Louis Van Gaal, who insisted on playing the striker out of position.

This season the Recife-born star has been playing in his more familiar role for Milan but has failed to make a major impact at the San Siro, scoring just five times in Serie A.

Milan are currently third in the league, five points behind leaders Juventus, and are in quarter-finals of the Champions League.