RIO DE JANEIRO, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian soccer forward Romario, 41, told media Wednesday that he still hopes to play in the Pan-American Games soccer competition even though the nation is sending its under-17 soccer squad to the June 13 to 29 competition.

    "It would be an honor for me to compete in such an important event. I still have my hopes," said Romario at an event organized by Minas Gerais governor Aecio Neves.

    The Pan-American Sports Organization (PASO) had initially said the competition would be for under-20 teams, but the South American Football Federation agreed to send only under-17 teams, because the competition clashes with the under-20 World Cup held in Canada.

    The PASO also said that the teams could use up to three older players, which opens the door for veteran players like Romario.

    On Monday, Lucho Nizzo, the nation's under-17 national team manager announced a list that did not include Romario.