Rivaldo quits in protest over sacking of coach

BRAZILIAN star Rivaldo has terminated his contract with Cruzeiro to protest the firing of coach Vanderley Luxemburgo.

The 31-year-old midfielder played just 11 matches with Cruzeiro, the Brazilian champions, after coming over in a blockbuster transfer from AC Milan, where he had fallen out of favour.

“After Luxemburgo was sacked, I didn’t sleep, thinking about the decision I should take,” Rivaldo said. “And I preferred to leave, too. I was loyal to the coach who brought me here.”