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Friday, 12 March 2010

World News Romario Calls It a Day

Brazil legend Romario has announced his retirement from football after 27 years in the professional game.

The 42-year-old's last appearance was for Vasco da Gama against Internacional in November and soon after he was banned for four months after testing positive for a prohibited substance, which he claimed was in his medication for hair loss.

The former PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona and Valencia forward told O Dia newspaper: "I am not going to play any more. I have already stopped. I am out of shape.

"My last game was a long time ago and it is over for me."

The 1994 World Cup winner was contracted to Vasco da Gama until March 30 but he left the club last month because of a disagreement with the board.

He was linked with a return to giants Flamengo but the striker has now decided to hang up his boots once and for all.

"I am not going to return to Vasco. I am not going to work now and they are not paying me but our friendship continues," Romario said.

"I have talked to the board about my decision. On Sunday I am going to travel to the Caribbean.

"I have made this decision myself. If I had wanted to continue playing I would have returned to Vasco but that is not in my thoughts.

"I want to be with my children and we are travelling a lot. This makes me happy."

Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association

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