Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho has lavished praise on legendary striker Romario, who hung up his boots on Tuesday at the age of 38.
The newly-crowned FIFA World Player of the Year told a press conference in Brazil: "He was a teacher for everyone who likes football. For players of my age we can only thank Romario for what he did for the game."
The Barcelona ace added: "It was watching him in 1994 that convinced me that this was the path that I wanted to go down."
Romario, a former Barca player, has been without a club for two months after breaking his contract with Fluminense. He retires as the second highest goalscorer in Brazilian history with 70 in 87 appearances, behind only Pele, who notched 95 in 114 matches.
