Romario denies reports of move to Mexico's Necaxa

RIO DE JANEIRO, Apr 26 (Reuters) Former Brazil striker Romario has denied that he was close to signing for Mexican club Necaxa.

Romario, who has reached a career tally of 999 goals according to his own records, said he still intended to score his 1,000th goal for his present club Vasco da Gama, preferably at the Maracana stadium.

''I've heard about the offer but I have a contract with Vasco until Dec. 31 and I've given my word that I will stay until I score the 1,000th goal,'' he told reporters yesterday.

''I've always wanted to score my 1,000th goal at the Maracana for Vasco. That's my dream and I'm sure it will happen.'' Necaxa said on their official Web site on Tuesday that they were close to signing the controversial 41-year-old, who won the World Cup in 1994.

Romario has failed to score in his last three appearances for Vasco, during which they were knocked out of two competitions.

Coach Renato Portaluppi was fired and replaced by Celso Roth.

Romario's tally is widely questioned as it includes goals scored in junior, friendly and testimonial games.

REUTERS PDS BST0726