Rivaldo "insulted" by Celtic trial offer

Brazilian forward Rivaldo Ferreira

Brazilian World Cup star Rivaldo has been insulted by the offer from Celtic manager Martin O'Neill of having a trial run at Parkhead.

The 32-year-old World Cup winning midfielder has been in talks with the Scottish champions as well as Premiership side Bolton in the last two weeks and had been leaning towards a spell in Scotland.

But Rivaldo's agent Carlos Arime said that O'Neill's offer of a trial on the club's tour of the United States was an insult to a player who had proved his value over the last decade in Spain and in Italy.

"Celtic sent me three faxes,'' he told the Scottish Sun. "The first one was to let us know they were interested in signing the player.

"The second fax was even more serious as it included an offer for my client.

"The third fax was to let us know they wanted to start talks but that the player would be invited to go on trial first.

"How dare Martin O'Neill ask Rivaldo to go for a trial in America. That is an insult to my client and to football.

"What kind of mentality is that? Big-name players will not be attracted to Celtic if that is O'Neill's attitude.

"People will be crying tears of laughter when they hear Celtic wanted to take Rivaldo on trial.

"My client has been one of the best players in the world for many years and I don't think he needs to play some friendly games in order to prove himself.''