Rivaldo is free to leave

Barcelona have agreed to rescind the contract of their World Cup winning Brazilian forward Rivaldo with immediate effect.

The move, agreed yesterday, brings an end to the Brazilian's five-year career at the club.

"Both parties believe that this decision comes in their best interests," the statement read.

"They wish to express the satisfactory nature of their relationship up to now and the good spirit in which the talks took place."

Rivaldo, who had one more season to run on his contract, joined Barcelona from Deportivo Coruna in 1997 and helped the club to the Spanish league title in his first two seasons.

His form dipped last year as he struggled to overcome a knee injury, but the 30-year-old former World Player of the Year went on to score five goals in the World Cup to help Brazil to the title.

Rivaldo would have been able to leave for nothing in any case when his contract was up in June 2003 and Barcelona will be satisfied in saving estimated salary costs of around $7.5 million.

The move will also ensure there is no repeat of the major disagreement over the position in which he should be playing during Louis van Gaal's first spell in charge.

When van Gaal's return was announced, Rivaldo reacted by saying he would be prepared to play anywhere, including in goal, for the final year of his contract.