Rio de Janeiro, Feb 27 (IANS): Vasco da Gama has agreed to pay retired football idol Romario $9 million in outstanding debt, ending a bitter eight-year row between the striker and his former club.

The amount was agreed upon during a civil hearing here Tuesday relating to unpaid wages and image rights owed to the 47-year-old during his 2000-02 contract with the Rio outfit, reports Xinhua.

"The most important thing is that an agreement has been reached between both parties," Vasco president Roberto Dinamite said.

Romario had demanded the payment of $29 million but agreed to reduce the amount after negotiating with the club's directors.

Vasco will pay in 120 instalments of $75,000 beginning in January next year, the tribunal ruled.

"This agreement is the most civilised way to resolve matters like these. Nobody has won and nobody has lost. The deal shows the grandeur of both sides," Vasco lawyer Silvio Capanema said.

Romario, now a federal deputy for Brazil's Socialist Party, scored nearly 300 goals for Vasco during four separate spells with the club. He also netted 55 times from 70 international appearances for Brazil and played in his country's 1994 World Cup-winning team in the US.