Former Brazilian national football team legend Romario (58) announced on April 17 that he will return to active duty as a player for America-RJ, of which he is president.

A World Cup winner, senator and club president, Romario has added a comeback to his CV, 15 years after retiring from football.

Romario, who won the 1994 World Cup in the United States, said on Tuesday he had signed up to return to play for America RJ, who are currently in the second division of the Rio de Janeiro state championship and are aiming to return to the first division.

“I’m ready to do my bit to help my beloved America,” Romario wrote in an Instagram post, adding that with his son Romarinho also playing in the team, “my dream will come true to share the pitch with him.”

In a previous post, he said he did not intend to play every league game, saying: “I just want to play for the club I love and fulfil my dream of playing with my son.”

Romario grew up rooting for his late father’s favourite, America RJ, but began his professional career with local rivals Vasco da Gama before moving to Europe and enjoying success with Dutch Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven and Spanish club Barcelona.

He was an integral part of the Brazilian national team that won the World Cup in the United States, and was awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year award that same year. He retired in 2008, but returned the following year to play briefly for USA Red Bull.

He has served as a senator since 2015 and was appointed president of America RJ in January this year, tasked with rebuilding the club’s struggling finances and returning it to the top league. (c)AFP