Brazilian football icon Romario, aged 58, has officially enlisted himself as a player for America Football Club in Rio de Janeiro, where he currently holds the position of club president.
Following the approval of his registration on Tuesday, the former 1994 World Cup champion is now eligible to participate for the club in the second division of the Carioca Championship, scheduled to commence on May 18.
The football federation of Rio de Janeiro confirmed Romario’s player registration, clarifying that he will receive a minimum wage, all of which will be contributed to the club.
Romario’s intentions regarding his playing time with the club remain uncertain. While he stated that he will not partake in official league matches, he expressed a desire to share the field with his son, Romarinho, who recently joined America FC as a forward.
He addressed the clubs fans in a post on Instagram, saying: “I’m not going to compete in the championship, but rather play a few games for the team of my heart and make another dream come true, playing alongside my son. What do you think?”
Romario’s last official match was in November 2009, representing America FC, his father Edevair’s cherished club.
Since 2009, he has held the position of president at America FC. Subsequently, five years later, he was elected senator for Rio de Janeiro.
Beginning his career with Vasco da Gama, Romario went on to shine for clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona.
In 1994, he clinched the FIFA World Player of the Year award following Brazil’s triumph at the World Cup in the United States.