Brazil football legend Romário shoots for political power

[ChangoLoa]

On the pitch they called him "Shorty" – a diminutive football legend who rose from the slums of northern Rio to become a giant of Brazil's "beautiful game".

Now, the 5ft 6ins former Barcelona and Brazil striker is pushing for a new, unexpected title: Romário MP.

The third highest scorer in the history of Brazilian international football, known more for his deadly touch in front of goal than his views on economic policy, hopes to become one of Brazil's 513 federal deputies in October's elections.

"On the pitch I was one of the best in my position," the former PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona striker said last week during a visit to Brazil's congress with members of his latest team, the Brazilian Socialist party (PSB). "I will try to be one of the best here too."

Romário de Souza Faria, better known as just Romário, is one of several Brazilian football stars hoping to swap pitches for politics in the coming elections.

While the involvement of ex-footballers in Brazilian politics is not unprecedented – Pele, Brazil's self-styled "king of football", was minister of sport between 1995 and 1998 – a record number of Brazilian craques, or stars, are expected to run for office this year.

Other candidates reportedly include the former Corinthians idol Marcelinho Carioca, who is running for the lower house on an education ticket, the Atletico Mineiro striker Marques, who intends to run for the Brazilian Labour party (PTB) in Belo Horizonte after hanging up his boots later this month, and the former Brazil stars Edmundo and Vampeta.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/17/brazil-elections-romario-footballer-candidate