The News of the World reported Sunday that the 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year and 2002 World Cup winner said discussions with manager Sam Allardyce and chairman Phil Gartside won him over.

The 32-year-old Rivaldo said: "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. 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."