Rivera Says He Was Leaning Toward a Return Anyway May 9, 2012, 5:03 pm During spring training, the injured Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera, who is in the final year of his contract, said that he knew whether he would return for another season next year and that nothing would change his mind. Many people figured he was hinting that this would be his final season. Derek Jeter said he knew Rivera's plans but would not tell. Then Rivera tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last Thursday and, less than 24 hours later, announced that he would not let the injury end his career. Rivera told reporters before Wednesday night's game that even before his injury he was leaning toward coming back next year. He also tried to explain a statement by Fernando Cuza, his agent, in Tuesday's New York Post in which Cuza cited an unidentified complication that turned up Monday when Rivera visited his doctors. Rivera said he has a blood clot in his right calf, he is being treated for it, and he has to strengthen the leg before surgery, which will now be in a couple of weeks.