Report: Former Brazil international Rivaldo opens up on almost joining Celtic as he reveals Rangers also wanted him

Former Brazil international striker Rivaldo has told Sun Sport how close he was to moving to the Scottish Premiership in 2004 with both Celtic and Rangers keen on him.

Former Gers boss Alex McLeish wanted to sign the Brazilian striking legend before signing Dado Prso, but it was Celtic that appeared favourites to land him at the time.

Martin O’Neill offered Rivaldo a trial, asking the 2002 World Cup winner to join the Hoops on their pre-season tour of America in order to land a deal.

However, that angered the representatives of the former Barcelona superstar.

Celtic were looking for a replacement for Henrik Larsson at the time, and Rivaldo would have been a perfect fit.

But he ended up joining Olympiacos instead, with O’Neill landing former Middlesbrough star Juninho in the end.

English Premier League giants Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers were also interested in the 1999 Ballon d’Or winner, but none of them could convince him with their offers.

Rivaldo ended up spending three seasons at Olympiacos, scoring 43 goals in 95 games before leaving for AEK Athens.

He hung up the boots in 2015 after 24 years as a pro, and he is widely regarded as one of the best strikers to ever play the game.