SAO PAULO, Apr 12 (AP/UNB) - Brazil's football chief says he has asked Romario to help the nation organize the 2014 World Cup despite the former national team's star striker having been an outspoken critic of the preparations.

Jose Maria Marin said Wednesday that the former player and now congressman's support will be important.

Marin, the president of the football federation and of the local World Cup organizing committee, said Romario will "help us host the greatest World Cup of all time. With everybody united we can have an unforgettable World Cup."

Romario said he was "happy" with Marin's administration and would try to help any way he could, according to local media.