Rio de Janeiro: Brazil’s World Cup-winning striker Viola is set to make a comeback to football at the age of 46. The former Valencia forward has verbally agreed to play with Taboao da Serra, who are in the fourth division of Sao Paulo state league.
“The deal is for him to only play home matches. We want to keep him physically fresh. He will have a tailored training programme but will be a part of the group and the club. He is eager to begin,” club president Anderson Nobrega said Thursday.
Viola scored three goals from 10 international appearances for Brazil from 1993 to 1994. He is best remembered for coming on as a substitute to play the last 30 minutes of the 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy, which the Selecao won on penalties.
Nobrega said Viola had also committed to helping the club off the pitch. “He is a World Champion who has a lot of charisma and is a sensational person. He is going to work with us in a social inclusion project, making visits and holding talks to encourage youngsters to play sport,” Nobrega said. (IANS)
