The Brazilian international striker was clearly incensed at Pele's gentle suggestion Wednesday that the time had come to hang up his boots.

"It's up to me to decide if I have to stop," he stormed.

"When Pele's silent he's a poet, he should keep quiet and look after his own business.

"It'd be best for him if he put a sock in his mouth."

Despite his blunt retort he nevertheless went on to concede that Pele held no peers in his playing career.

"As a player he was the best of all time. He's a king, a god."

Romario was speaking Friday after training on Copacabana beach here ahead of Sunday's beach football game between Rio and Sao Paulo in Guaruja.

Romario, who turns 39 at the end of the month, added that he was 90 per cent certain to sign a new contract with Vasco, despite offers from other clubs overseas.

"I'd prefer to stay in Rio," he stressed.

In November Romario returned to the Rose Bowl stadium in Los Angeles, the scene of his finest hour where he helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup, to take part in a game against Mexico to mark his international retirement.

And he clearly enjoyed the occasion, scoring both goals in Brazil's 2-1 win.