Former Barcelona star Rivaldo says he understands why a player like Diego Costa will want to move to China.
Carlos Tevez arrived in China this week after agreeing to join Shanghai Shenhua on a contract reportedly worth £615,000 a week, while Rivaldo’s compatriot Oscar is said to earn close to £400,000 a week at Shanghai SIPG.
Oscar’s former Chelsea team-mate Diego Costa has also been heavily linked with a lucrative CSL switch following a rumoured row with manager Antonio Conte.
The former Ballon d’Or winner Rivaldo admits that he could easily have been lured to the Chinese Super League as a player given the financial benefits on offer.
“Players in that situation think about their future don’t they? About their children and about their family,” said Rivaldo.
“It’s a unique opportunity for a player. Of course, he [Costa] is already in a big club, but this is a unique opportunity and players will always think about the personal side of things.
“Just as the club, you know, the club will have to sell… when they are offered that much money, a club will certainly sell a player.
“So, it’s the same for the player. And I sincerely think that I would calmly go to China.”
COMMENTS