Brazilian star to play four games in Australia

Former Brazilian World Cup star Romario will play four games with Australian team Adelaide United in this year's A-League soccer competition.

Photo: Brazilian star to play four games in Australia

Romario, a member of Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning team, will play for Adelaide in November and December, the team said Friday. His first game will be an away match Nov. 25 against the Central Coast Mariners.

The 40-year-old Romario just completed a one-year contract with Miami FC, an expansion club in the United Soccer League. Miami lost a two-match aggregate series 6-1 to Vancouver in the playoffs.

Romario formerly played for several big-name teams including Spain's Barcelona and Valencia and Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

"Australian football has been growing tremendously, especially after this last World Cup, and the success of their national team," Romario said via video link from Brazil. "You can definitely expect a lot of dedication."

Adelaide United coach John Kosmina said he was satisfied Romario, despite his age, would help the team, reports AP.

"He's got an art you can't coach," said Kosmina. "You're born with it, and that sort of skill and grace he's got doesn't dissipate with time."

Romario's signing follows the arrival of Italian Benito Carbone at Sydney FC. Carbone was the team's newest international signing this week after the departure of Trinidad and Tobago striker Dwight Yorke, who returned to play in England with Sunderland.