Silva gunning for gold

The ex-goal ace had his right leg amputated after he was involved in a car crash in Montevideo, putting an end to his livelihood on the football pitch, but the 33-year-old is not yet ready to call time on his sporting career.

The former Portsmouth and Sevilla player has targeted the water as the next sporting arena he wants to excel in, saying he wants to get involved in rowing.

"I have a long time to dedicate myself to rowing," Silva said. "I do not know if I can win but I am going to compete."

Silva admitted "it would be difficult for me" to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but has his eye in the London Games in 2012.