Brazilian legend Romario has confirmed he is coming out of retirement to fulfil his late father's wishes and play for Rio de Janeiro side America. The 43-year-old hung up his boots over a year ago, after a long and distinguished career spanning 23 years and over 1,000 goals by his personal count.

However, the striker has now decided to play a couple of games for America - 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."

I'm preparing to play and should be registered next week. I will feature in one or two official matches to realise my father's dream.
Romario on agreeing to play for America

Romario, who lists PSV and Barcelona among his former clubs, led Brazil to the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™ - the year in which he also lifted the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

His last official match was with in November 2007 with Vasco da Gama, where he also had a coaching role before taking on an administrative role at America this year.

The struggling second-flight club also confirmed the news with a statement on their official website: "America Football Club confirm that Romario will give a new joy to the America family," it read.

"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 America 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 - 1,002 until now - will be added to soon."