Former Brazil World Cup forward Romario told Pele to put a shoe in his mouth on Friday after he suggested the 38-year-old should retire.

Romario, who is 39 at the end of the month, said he was 90 percent certain to continue his career with Vasco da Gama.

"When Pele's quiet, he's a poet," the outspoken 1994 World Cup winner told reporters on Copacabana beach after training for a beach soccer match at the weekend.

"But he just talks shit. On the field, he was the greatest player in history, he was our king. But he should put a shoe in his mouth.

"He should look after his own life. I don't stick my nose into his affairs, so he shouldn't stick his into mine."

Romario also poked fun at Pele's famous habit of getting predictions wrong.

"When he says something, either it doesn't happen or the opposite happens," he said.

Romario has launched verbal attacks throughout his career and has fallen out with personalities such as former Brazil captain Zico and former national team coach Mario Zagallo.

In October, he described himself as Brazil's most important player since the 1970 World Cup, a comment which brought an angry response from Ronaldo.

Romario has been without a club since he was fired by Fluminense in October, following a season in which he has struggled for match fitness, clashed with his coaches and been involved in controversy about his much-publicised privileges.

But he is widely expected to have a swansong with Vasco, the club where he began his career.

"I'm training and it's 90 percent certain," he said. "There are just a few things to settle with the club."