Romário de Souza Faria's Birthday

When I lived in Brazil I used to think Romario was a bit of a tool. Outspoken and arrogant with a god complex, I even used to believe myself that he wasted his talent. Recently I have had to reconsider, o Baixinho or the little'un turns 40 on the 29th of this month. Romario finisehd as top scorer In the Brazilian 2005 season for his mid-table club side Vasco de Gama. To think British football pundits cum in their pants from the odd goal by the 39 year old Teddy Sheringham in his cameo appearances for West Ham this season. Arguing that the Brazilian league is easier than European leagues is misguided, it certainly isn't Scotland! this is the league where the next crop of Ronaldinhos, Adrianos, and Robinhos are making a name for themselves in what is a very demanding, competitive and intense season before moving on to tear European defences to pieces.

So how could I think Romário was a wasted talent? perhaps it was as he never trained properly and when he did it was done seperately from his teamates, he could (can?) regularly be found in nightclub carparks with a young lady 'smoking his pipe' in the earlier hours of the morning before important games. I recognised he was as a footballing genius, but wondered how good he could have been had he tried a bit harder. I must have overlooked the fact that he is a World Cup winner, has won the golden boot and domestic title in every country he has played in with the exception of a brief mercenary stint in Qatar.

Happy 40th Birthday Romario! Training on your own and late night filth sessions in your Mercedes certainly haven't been detrimental to one incredible career. I'm sure Lee Sharpe and Stan Collymoore would have benefitted from your wisdom in balancing a night-life and womanising addiction with a professional football career.