WORLD Cup winner Juninho will make a guest appearance for Palmeiras when the Brazilian giants take on Queensland Roar at Suncorp Stadium on July 12.
The former Sydney FC playmaker, who was part of the Brazilian side that beat Germany 2-0 in the 2002 World Cup final, will be the major drawcard at the annual Roar Against Racism match.
Juninho, who also had stints with Atletico Madrid, Middlesbrough and Celtic, played for Palmeiras in 2005 and 2006 and was understood to have been instrumental in luring the six-time national champions to Queensland.
The diminutive 35-year-old attacking midfielder has not played since finishing his season-long, injury-riddled stint in Sydney in February and is believed to be contemplating retirement.
The Brazilian first division championship started this month so it is highly unlikely Palmeiras will send a full-strength squad to Brisbane, particularly as the club has league fixtures on July 11 and July 14 (Australian time).
Queensland's pre-season campaign will also include a four-team tournament in Korea next month, with Gamba Osaka (Japan), Beijing Guoan (China) and hosts Incheon United the other participants.
The Roar is poised to announce the signing of Brazilian striker Marcio Carioca, who last played for Portuguese club Pacos de Ferreira.
The 25-year-old marksman joins fellow Brazilian Bruno Mezenga as Queensland's two new attacking weapons.
Pacos de Ferreira, which will play in the Portuguese second division next season after finishing in the relegation zone, recently terminated Marcio's contract after he refused to go on loan to lower division club Centro Desportivo de Fatima.
Renowned for both his pace and strength, the 179cm Marcio played UEFA Cup football for Pacos de Ferreira before his controversial exit from the club.
The Roar continues its pre-season trial campaign on Tuesday at Underwood Park against Brisbane Premier League pacesetters Rochedale Rovers. Kick-off is 7pm.
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