Trip - People say that when the game is rough you usually call for the ball, in the "I'll solve it" style. True or false?
Romário - One gets respect by not talking, one gets respect through one's attitude. This is one of them. At Flamengo this is how it goes: when the game is easy, nobody comes looking for me. But when the going gets tough they all go like "where's Shorty?" There he is, throw it to him. This is the way I like it. Just like Jesus Christ: I get in safe and clear. That's what I'm there for, I've always been at the top of people's trust list. In fact, I'll stop playing soccer when this changes.
Trip - You're 33. How are you, physically?
Romário - Physically speaking, I was never a privileged player. So what happened? Whether I liked it or not, I had to find a way to practice. Currently, according to what I think is being fit, I feel better than during the '94 World Cup. Also, as one ages, they lose things that youth provides, but gain other things, too.
Trip - Is this differentiated training due to your age or to the fact that you don't enjoy practicing?
Romário - Both. I practice for thirty minutes, while the group does it for an hour, but it's a rough thirty minutes...
Trip - If you don't practice that hard, what is it that enables you to kick ass and take names in a match?
Romário - I'm challenge-driven. My life has always been like this. I don't like it much when things are too good, too easy. I like it when people yell at me and badmouth me. It motivates me. For example: now things are great, everything's good and all. But I'm missing something within, I'm missing some jerk badmouthing me. It makes me accomplish more.

CONTINUE