Romario's conceited, says Ronaldo
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-10-14 14:24

Ronaldo believes his ex-Brazil strike partner Romario has no right calling himself the country's most important player in 34 years.

Brazilian veteran striker Romario Faria smiles during a news conference in Rio de Janeiro September 30, 2004. Romario, whose five goals in the 1994 World Cup helped Brazil win their fourth world title, announced that his farewell international match will be against Mexico on November 10 in Los Angeles. [Reuters]

Brazil's Ronaldo stands behind a Brazilian flag during the playing of the national anthem before their World Cup qualifying match against Colombia in Maceio, Brazil, Oct. 13, 2004. Ronaldo believes his ex-Brazil strike partner Romario has no right calling himself the country's most important player in 34 years. [Reuters]

Especially after the Brazilian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday that the Real Madrid star had overtaken Romario's total of 55 international goals by scoring twice against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

'I think it's very pretentious for a player to call himself the best,' Ronaldo, 28, said. 'I don't have this habit.'

The 38-year-old Romario, who scored five goals in 1994 as he led Brazil to their fourth world title, had said two weeks ago: 'I'll probably get a good hiding for saying it, but yes, I consider myself to be the most important since 1970.'

The confederation said that Ronaldo was now the team's second highest goal-scorer with 56 and was closing on Pele's total of 77, while Zico is fourth with 52.

If matches against club and representative elevens - which have been used in the past as official totals in Brazil - are included, then Romario leads Ronaldo.

Pele scored 95 goals in the latter category, followed by Romario (70), Zico (67) and Ronaldo (65).

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's Real team-mate Fernando Morientes could be the subject of a fresh bid by Liverpool. Rafael Benitez tried to sign the Frenchman in July but was thwarted when Jose Camacho insisted he stay.

But Camacho has since resigned as Real's manager and Liverpool are ready to test whether his resolve has been weakened by the managerial upheaval.

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