RIO DE JANEIRO, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil striker Romario Wednesday denied that he was close to signing for Mexican soccer club Necaxa.

    Romario, who reached a career tally of 999 goals, said he intended to score his 1,000th goal for his present club Vasco da Gama at the Maracana stadium.

    "I've heard about the offer but I have a contract with Vasco until Dec. 31 and I've given my word that I will stay until I score the 1,000th goal," he said.

    Necaxa said on their official Web site on Tuesday that they were close to signing the 41-year-old, who won the World Cup in 1994.

    Romario has failed to score in his last three appearances for Vasco, during which they were knocked out of two competitions, and coach Renato Portaluppi was fired and replaced by Celso Roth.