Romario still dreams of scoring 1,000th goal at Maracana

RIO DE JANEIRO, Apr 19 (Reuters) Former Brazil striker Romario said today that he still dreamed of scoring his 1,000th goal at the Maracana stadium, although he had received offers to play for clubs in Mexico and Europe.

The 41-year-old has been stuck on a career tally of 999 goals, according to his own records, for the last three games during which Vasco were knocked out of two competitions and coach Renato Portaluppi was fired.

Vasco are not due to play at the Maracana again until they face local rivals Fluminense in the Brazilian championship on June 3.

However, they have two home matches before that at their own Sao Januario stadium and Romario said he would ask the club to switch the games to the Maracana.

''My dream is still to score the goal at the Maracana and I hope it happens as soon as possible,'' he told reporters at Rio de Janeiro airport after arriving from a week's holiday in Miami.

''I will ask the president of the club if we can play our home matches at the Maracana....I have faith in God that I will score the goal in the next game.'' Romario, who last year played for clubs in the United States and Australia, said it was unlikely he would move abroad again.

''There have been approaches from a club in Mexico and two in Europe but in principle I want to score the goal wearing the shirt of Vasco.'' Last week, Mexican first division club Necaxa announced they wanted to sign Romario and use him as a reinforcement in the South American Libertadores Cup.

Romario, who was allowed to go on holiday while the rest of his team trained in Rio de Janeiro for the Brazilian championship this week, said he had not previously worked with new coach Celso Roth.

He said Renato had been a victim of football's hunger for results.

''That's football, we're used to it,'' he said. ''When you don't get the results, it's always the coach who carries the can. I hope Renato has some luck at his next club.'' Vasco have been widely criticised for putting Romario's personal ambitions above the team, especially as the veteran striker sat out the team's last two matches away from the Maracana.

Critics also point out that Romario's tally includes goals scored in youth and friendly matches.

Reuters DH VP0220