Brazil star Rivaldo is to leave Barcelona after he reached an agreement with the club to rescind his contract.

Barca exceeded their quota of five non-European Union players when they signed Argentine striker Juan Roman Riquelme last week.

By freeing Rivaldo they will again be able to operate within the Spanish league-imposed limit.

And the Brazilian, who clashed with coach Louis van Gaal in the Dutchman's previous spell at the Nou Camp, is now free to negoitate his own move.

Newcastle United made a bid for him during the close season.

But long-time suitors Lazio will be early favourites to land the 30-year-old, having just agreed to loan Gaizka Mendieta to the Catalan club.

Barcelona announced Rivaldo's release on Sunday, saying in a statement: "Both parties believe that this decision comes in their best interests."

Rivaldo, who had one more season to run on his contract, joined Barcelona from Deportivo La Coruna in 1997.

He helped the club to the Spanish league title in his first two seasons before his form dipped last year as he struggled to overcome a knee injury.

But the former World Player of the Year went on to score five goals in the World Cup to help Brazil to the title.