Brazilian legend Romario has brought the curtain down on his glittering World Cup-winning career.
Striker calls it a day after months of inactivity due to overturned ban
Brazilian legend Romario has brought the curtain down on his glittering World Cup-winning career.
The 42-year-old striker officially called it a day on Friday as he can not physically continue to play at a high level.
As player-coach of Vasco da Gama, he originally said he would end his 23-year career after he was suspended last November.
He received a four-month suspension after using the hair-loss medicine Propecia, which contains the banned substance Finasteride.
Speculation
But the suspension was overturned in February, leading to speculation that he could return to Vasco or former club Flamengo.
But the star believes he is now too out of shape to resume playing after months of inactivity.
He told Rio's
O Dia newspaper: "I've stopped playing. I can't do it any more. I haven't played since November."
Romario's glittering career included spells with PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona and the pinnacle came in 1994 when he led Brazil to their fourth World Cup, as well as being named Fifa's player of the year.
Milestone
Last year, he scored his 1,000th career goal, a milestone matched only by the great Pele.
As for the future, he now plans to travel with his family in the Caribbean and would also consider a position promoting the 2014 World Cup, which will be held in Brazil.
He added he will only play again in a farewell game, and not competitive football.
"I always wanted to end the way I began - without anyone noticing," said the unassuming star.
