WORLD Cup winner Rivaldo swapped the high life for the underground as he toured London like an everyman fan.
The former Barcelona and Milan midfielder swapped the Nou Camp and the San Siro for Buckingham Palace and a red phonebox while playing for Brazil in the Star Sixes at the O2 Arena.
Rivaldo, 45, posted on Instagram: “Very good ride here in London with my friend @amaralzinho5.
“We walk to the subway and took many pictures. It was wonderful these days here in London.”
The all-time great was one of the three Rs – with Ronaldo and Rondaldinho – who helped Brazil lift the ultimate prize in 2002.
Rivaldo netted in the first five games of that tournament in South Korea but never shook off one of the most famous examples of play-acting in football history.
Turkey defender Kakan Unsal kicked the ball towards Rivaldo near a corner flag, hitting the ex-Deportivo star on the thigh. But Rivaldo crumpled to the floor clutching his head.
The stoppage-time earned Unsal his second booking and a red card as Brazil won the group match 2-1.
Rivaldo was later given a paltry fine of 11,670 Swiss francs – around £1,000 – and his sporting image was tarnished forever.
That was all a distant memory, though, when Rivaldo went down a different memory lane in London today – sightseeing at historic places like the Queen’s home.
He posed for photos with police officers and outside a phone box as he relaxed despite a highly-competitive Star Sixes event.
England, skippered by Steven Gerrard, were 3-1 quarter-final losers to Denmark, who then beat Rivaldo’s Brazil 4-2 in the semis.
Former Arsenal wideman Robert Pires captained France to a 2-1 final win, Ludovic Giuly and Youri Djorkaeff scoring.
Pires told Sky Sports: “I’m very proud of my team.. It was a very tough game.
“The legs were a bit heavy and Denmark played very well, so we’re very happy to win the tournament.”
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