RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Soccer legend Romario officially announced on Tuesday his entrance into politics, joining the Brazilian Socialist Party of Rio de Janeiro.

    "I am honored to be part of the party. They have shown that they are serious about their commitments," said the former player who scored more than 1,000 goals in his career.

    "I don't know if I will run for any election, but I hope to be able to help. First off, we plan on installing centers of vote technology in certain areas of Rio," he said.

    In 2010, Brazil will have presidential, senate, governor, as well as federal and state deputy elections.

    Other Brazilian athletes who announced their entrance to the political arena on Tuesday were the boxer and former world champion Acelino "Popo" Freitas, the head coach of the Corinthians soccer club Andres Sanchez and ex-soccer star Edmundo.