The 41-year-old failed to reach the milestone, which has only been passed by fellow Brazil legend Pele, in the Campeonato Carioca as Vasco bowed out at the semi-final stage.

Necaxa president Javier Perez Teuffer had insisted Romario would be in Cancun on Thursday to agree financial terms.

But the deal for the 1994 World Cup winner is believed to have been scuppered as Necaxa would be Romario's fourth club this season, with world governing body FIFA setting a two club limit.

Romario would require similar dispensation former Corinthians midfielder Javier Mascherano received to complete his move from West Ham to Liverpool earlier this season.

"I've heard about the offer but I have a contract with Vasco until December 31 and I've given my word that I will stay until I score the 1,000th goal," Romario told Radio Tupi.

"I've always wanted to score my 1,000th goal at the Maracana for Vasco. That's my dream and I'm sure it will happen."