The Brazil legend Romario has confirmed he is coming out of retirement to fulfil his late father's wishes and play for América Football Club.
The 43-year-old hung up his boots over a year ago after a long and distinguished career spanning 23 years and over 1000 goals. However, the striker has now decided to play a couple of games for América – the team his father supported.
"I'm preparing to play and should be registered next week," said Romario. "I will feature in one or two official matches to realise my father's dream."
Romario, who lists PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona among his former clubs, led Brazil to the World Cup in 1994 – the year in which he also lifted the Fifa World Player of the Year award. His last official match was with Vasco da Gama in November 2007 where he also had a coaching role before taking on an administrative role at América this year.
The struggling second division club also confirmed the news with a statement on their website: "América Football Club confirm that Romario will give a new joy to the América family," said the club. "After taking a prominent position in the restructuring of our football club, he also will give a contribution on the pitch.
"Romario has confirmed that he will be registered to play and that he will do so in a couple of games as a form of fulfilling a promise made to his father, Edevair.
"The América family feel extremely honoured with the choice of the player and are proud to finally be able to have one of the biggest names in the history of world football wearing the red shirt on the pitch. And, knowing that the word 'limit' is not in the dictionary of the ace, we hope his huge collection of goals – 1002 until now – will be added to soon."