Dein erstes Forum » ver. Its finally done, which is go

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Former Brazil and Barcelona star Rivaldo officially retired on Saturday after a 24-year career that he said was built "upon a miracle" that allowed him to overcome financial challenges and disappointments. The 41-year-old midfielder, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, hadnt been playing at a top level for several years and finally decided to end his career with an announcement on his Twitter and Instagram accounts. FIFAs player of the year in 1999, Rivaldo had been playing sparingly for minnow Brazilian club Mogi Mirim. He is expected to remain as the president of Mogi Mirim, where his 18-year-old son is now playing. "With tears in my eyes today I would like first to thank God, my family and all the support (and) the affection that I received during those 24 years as a player," Rivaldo said in a statement published both in Portuguese and in English. "Today, I communicate to all my fans in the world (that) my history as a player came to the end." The talented playmaker thrived in Brazil and abroad in the 1990s, winning two Spanish league titles with Barcelona and the 2003 Champions League trophy with AC Milan, which was his last top European club, before spending time in Greece and finally returning to Brazilian football four years ago. The last top team he played in Brazil was Sao Paulo in 2011, but he was released after an unsuccessful stint in which he played only a few matches as a starter. Before rejoining Mogi Mirim, the team that launched him to the national scene in 1994, Rivaldo played for Kabuscorp in Angola and then for Sao Caetano in Brazil, which he left last year citing knee pain. In his statement, Rivaldo mentioned the hardships that he had to overcome early in his career. He said there were "many obstacles, challenges, waivers, longings, disappointments," but also "much greater joys, achievements, growth (and) change" that allowed a "distant dream" to come true. "I built my career upon a miracle, (living) in (the small city of) Paulista, no financial resources, no businessman, incentives only of my family, discredited by doctors and trainers," he said. "With persistence, dedication and especially with the hand of God, I came to be recognized as the best player in the world, world champion." Along with his statement, Rivaldo published a photo of him with tears in his eyes and another of him alongside his son, Rivaldo Jr. Last month, they got to play together in a Mogi Mirim match and Rivaldo said he fulfilled a longtime dream. Rivaldo also played in the 1998 World Cup, when Brazil was runner-up to France. With the Selecao, he also won the 1997 Confederations Cup, the 1999 Copa America and a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Rivaldo also previously played for traditional Brazilian clubs Palmeiras and Corinthians, as well as for Deportivo La Coruna in Spain, Olympiacos and AEK Athens in Greece, and Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan. Starling Marte Jersey .ca presents its latest weekly power rankings for the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season. Bill Mazeroski Jersey . -- The Toronto Maple Leafs are tightening the race for second place in the Atlantic Division. http://www.pittsburghpiratesprostore.us/Customized/. The Boston Celtics hadnt played since the All-Star break. So the Suns 100-94 victory over Boston Wednesday night was an uphill affair, with Phoenix relying on balance rather than its trademark high energy. Willie Stargell Jersey . General Manager Sam Presti said the three-time All-Star had knee swelling that would not subside, and the procedure was intended to solve the problem. He said doctors determined that a loose stitch was to blame for the swelling, that Westbrooks lateral meniscus has healed properly and the procedure was successful. Pittsburgh Pirates Jerseys . - Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors will coach the Western Conference in the All-Star Game on Feb.DORAL, Fla. -- Patrick Reed followed a big win with a bold comment. Reed was dripping with confidence even before the final round of the Cadillac Championship. He had two wins in his previous 13 starts on the PGA Tour. He knew his game could handle any course, even a new Blue Monster that yielded the fewest 72-hole scores under par in the 52-year history of Doral. And even having Tiger Woods just three shots behind and in the group head of him didnt keep Reed from wearing black pants and a red shirt. He delivered a final round Sunday that even Woods could have appreciated. Reed doubled his two-shot lead with two quick birdies, hit five quality bunker shots on the back nine that led to pars and closed with an even-par 72 and a one-shot victory. Bubba Watson played bogey-free over the final 27 holes at Trump National Doral and closed with a 68. He was the first to post a 3-under 285. Jamie Donaldson of Wales got within one shot of Reed before he found a back bunker on the 18th and missed a par putt just inside 15 feet for a 70 to join Watson. Reed played the 18th conservatively with an iron off the tee -- just like Woods did in one of his four wins at Doral -- made bogey and finished at 4-under 284. Thats three wins in seven months for the 23-year-old Texan. He now is the youngest winner of a World Golf Championship. Surprised? Reed sure isnt. He had said he felt like he belonged among the top five in the world, and Reed wasnt about to back down after beating the strongest field in golf so far this year. "I dont see a lot of guys that have done that besides Tiger Woods and the legends of the game," Reed said of his three wins, including a WGC title. "I believe in myself, especially with how hard Ive worked. Im one of the top five players in the world. I feel like Ive proven myself." So who are the other four? He mentioned Woods, whom Reed considers the best to ever play. Reed grew up watching Woods in a red shirt and black plants on Sunday, and thought it would be wise to do the same thing. Those now are his Sunday colours, and hes now 3 for 3 when having at least a share of the 54-hole lead. He mentioned Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson. He is constantly impressed with Graeme McDowell. He played Saturday with Dustin Johnson and saw how good Johnson can be when he puts it all together. So thats five names right there, without even getting to FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai winner Henrik Stensson, Match Play champion Jason Day or two-time major champion Rory McIlroy.dddddddddddd So maybe it was a figure of speech. "Tough question," Reed said with a grin. "Those guys, theres so many great players out there." He at least has reason to count himself among them. Reed moved up to No. 20 in the world, and hes starting to think he can win any week, anywhere. Even the Masters? He led Augusta State to two NCAA titles. Reed makes his debut at Augusta National next month, and his outlook is changing. "Before this event, my goal was to compete and be in contention come Sunday at Augusta," Reed said. "To go and play the field -- all these guys are going to be at Augusta -- to go wire-to-wire, that definitely just gives me more confidence come Sunday that if I play how Im supposed to at Augusta, that well be in the running." Woods is limping to the Masters. One week after he withdrew from the final round of the Honda Classic after 13 holes, he said his back flared up again after an awkward shot from the bunker on the sixth hole. He wound up with a 78, his highest score ever on Sunday, and for the first time failed to make a single birdie in the final round. His hopes were gone by the sixth hole, anyway. Woods beaned two spectators in three holes with tee shots and already was seven shots behind. He said he spent the rest of the day fighting spasms, and only said after his round, "Its over. Its finally done, which is good." He tied for 25th, his best finish in four events this year. He missed a 54-hole cut at Torrey Pines, tied for 41st in Dubai and withdrew from the Honda Classic. "Just let me get through this day, get some treatment and well assess it as time goes on," Woods said of his back. His next scheduled start is March 20 at Bay Hill, where he is defending champion and an eight-time winner. Asked if he has had an MRI on his back or planned more tests, Woods said, "Well, it is back spasms. So weve done all the protocols and its just a matter of keeping everything aligned so I dont go into that." Reed certainly has his golf aligned nicely. He won the Wyndham Championship last August in a playoff over Jordan Spieth. He went wire-to-wire at the Humana Challenge, opening with three 63s. And then against a strong field, he went wire-to-wire (including ties) at Doral. Can he live with being No. 20 for now? "Oh, yeah," Reed said with a smile. ' ' '