Romario criticizes the upcoming Brazil World Cup

Romario during his time as a Brazil player

Brazil legend Romario has spoken out against the upcoming World Cup which will be held in his country. The New York Times reports.

The footballer-turned-politician is displeased with the World Cup unlike his fellow countrymen Pelé, Ronaldo and Bebeto who are happy that the elite competition is being held in their country.

Romario supported the activist who protested against the Confederations Cup this year through a Youtube video.

The 47-year-old stated that FIFA is “robbing the Brazilian people” and that its president Sepp Blatter does not care what happens to the country after the competition.

“FIFA got what it came for: money,” he said. “Things like transportation that affect the public after the tournament is over? They don’t care. They don’t care about what is going to be left behind.”

The former Brazil internationals one time striker partner Ronaldo had stated that “you host World Cups with stadiums, not hospitals, a statement that has greatly displeased Romario.

“Ignorant,” he said. “Either Ronaldo and Bebeto aren’t aware of what is going on, or they are pretending they aren’t aware of what is going on. Either way, it is ignorant.”

FIFA is on the list that of organisations that Romario disapproves of.

“They found a way to get rich on the World Cup and they robbed the people instead,” he said. “This is the real shame.”

The former Barcelona ace is sure that protest will once again ravage Brazil after the World Cup is over.

“Not only do I think they will return, I think they should return,” he said. “There will be a World Cup here next year, we know that. But this, these demonstrations, is the way you make politicians wake up.”

Romario is the second most prolific striker of all time being one of the few players to score more than 1000 goals. He spent majority of his career at Vasco Da Gama but had spells at Dutch club PSV and Spanish side Barcelona.