World Cup winner Romario has told Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus that he needs to “have enough sex” before leading Brazil’s quest for global glory in Russia.
A man who helped the Selecao to victory back in 1994 knows all about leading the line for a football-mad nation and the pressure which accompanies such a role.
The now 52-year-old, who is currently the senator of Rio de Janeiro, has endeavoured to impart some of his wisdom ahead of his nation’s quest for a sixth world crown.
Romario is hoping to see Jesus star in that campaign, but has made the 21-year-old aware of what is required in order to join the greats of the Brazilian game.
The former frontman told Lance! Magazine: “Have enough sex is one piece of advice - as is making the most you can of your days off.
“And, of course, you must concentrate on match days and during the games.
“I believe Jesus is quite aware of his football and what it represents for the Brazilian nation.
“He has to arrive at the World Cup and score a goal. That’s the most important thing.”
Jesus has netted nine times in his 15 senior international outings to date, with seven of those efforts coming in World Cup qualifying.
He has some way to go if he is to match the achievements of Romario, who found the target 55 times in 70 appearances for his country, but time is on his side.
For now, he has been urged to remain focused on the present and be aware that every opportunity which comes his way at a major international tournament has to be snapped up.
Romario, who scored five times en route to landing the Golden Ball at USA ‘94, added: “Jesus must understand that, at the World Cup, the first opportunity you get to score a goal maybe your last.
“The World Cup is a totally different competition from the others. You have to be 100 per cent focused, otherwise you won't give your best for your country.
“There is one thing Jesus must do: go to the World Cup and score goals.
“It is good that he is playing in Europe because maybe 80 or 90 per cent of the best players in the world play there and he will have faced them already.”
Brazil are set to open their 2018 World Cup adventure against Switzerland on June 17.
They will also face Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E, with highly-rated coach Tite looking to emulate Luiz Felipe Scolari, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Mario Zagallo, Aymore Moreira and Vicente Feola by overseeing a successful bid for global dominance.