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Just over a week ago the Bolton Evening News leaked the story which suggested the South American was in the North West holding talks with Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce and this was later confirmed by the club who had expected the player to cross the I's and dot the T's early last week but a number of hitches held up the deal forcing huge doubts to be cast over the former Barcelona man's commitment to the deal Bolton offered to him, however in an interview with the News of the World the player said he was very impressed with what the European chasing Trotters had to offer, in particular the conduct of the Bolton boss Allardyce and his chairman Phil Gartside.
"I do not want anyone in Bolton to think that, if I play there, I am doing it for the wrong reasons. I am grateful to Sam Allardyce for the chance they want to give me and all I can say is how impressed I am with their whole set-up. The seriousness of the Bolton officials I met - Sam and Phil Gartside - won me over.
Rivaldo also feels that being in a smaller environment than that of Barcelona and Milan will help him adapt to the English lifestyle. He has targeted getting into shape and learning the English language and hopes to take Bolton into Europe.
"I know I've played for big clubs in the past but it won't be a problem for me to adapt. I will be busy playing, getting in shape and learning English and being in a smaller town will help me do that. And I want the challenge of trying to get Bolton into Europe for the first time in their history. It is an exciting time."
Wanderers chairman Gartside was unhappy that such a high profile transfer was leaked to the public at such an early stage of negotiation and slammed the media for their conduct in the matter in his programme notes for the Leeds United game yesterday.
"I was very upset this week by the way the media have leaked and publicised Sam's attempts to sign some extra "squad" members for next season. Which other industry has to conduct all it's business dealings in the very public eye?. If we fail to secure the services of certain players through that publicity. I wonder how they will feel?, they probably couldn't care less!!" he said