SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian soccer hero Romário returned to training on Thursday at age 58, almost two decades after he retired from the sport, and needed just a few minutes to show he remains a prolific scorer.
The 1994 World Cup winner turned politician netted two goals as he practiced with much younger players at struggling Rio de Janeiro club América, of which he is the president.
América will play in Rio state’s second division championship this year. Romarinho, one of the sons of the former Barcelona star, is in its squad.
“My biggest goal here is to have the chance to play with my son,” an exhausted Romário told journalists after the training. “Many athletes have that objective. LeBron James wants to play with his son next year (in the NBA). Rivaldo also had that chance. I want that too.”
Also famous for his sharp tongue, which has Pelé, Zico and Mário Zagallo among its victims, Romário chose himself as a target this time.
Police officers who Tasered 93
Bears banking on Caleb Williams after taking the 2022 Heisman winner with No. 1 pick in NFL draft
No 10 hits back at Emmanuel Macron's jibe that the Rwanda scheme is a 'betrayal' of European values
Federal judge temporarily blocks confusing Montana voter registration law
Arkansas woman pleads guilty to selling 24 boxes of body parts stolen from cadavers
The 49ers take Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall with the 30th pick in the NFL draft
Charged in election interference cases, some are still in politics
Malaria is still killing people in Kenya, but a vaccine and local drug production may help
Las Vegas Raiders take Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th pick in the NFL draft
Rooting for Trump to fail has made his stock shorters millions
Miami Dolphins bolster pass rush, taking Chop Robinson of Penn State with 21st pick of NFL draft