Mariano Rivera confirmed on Saturday that the Red Sox had in fact been interested in him prior to his re-signing in the Bronx.
While he opted to return to New York, he did express his respect for his rivals, according to Boston.com.
“They were interested. I really appreciate that," he said at an appearance in Westchester County, N.Y. "I know there was interest and I respect that. I respect the organization and the front office of the Red Sox.
“It was respect. The rivalry we have against each other and the tremendous organization. Just take it in consideration and the Yankees did what they were supposed to do and that’s the end of that.”
Rivera will make $30 million in the next two years for the Yankees — presumably the last of his career.
