Brazil football legend Arthur Antunes Coimbra, famously known as Zico, has been appointed as the coach for Goa Football Club (FC) in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The 61-year-old, who was an outstanding creator and goal scorer for Brazil and had played in the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups, signed a contract with Goa FC in Rio de Janeiro.
One of the most gifted players of his generation, Zico has also played and coached in Brazil, Italy, Japan, Turkey, Russia, Greece, Iraq and Qatar.
"I have been very well received and the first impression was wonderful and I am motivated to start this work," said Zico.
Zico also said that he would do everything to help spur the growth of football in India, adding that he would assist all players, amateurs and professionals and sees the Indian Super League as a great platform to spread the sports' popularity.
Meanwhile, Goa FC owner Shrinivas Dempo said that they were confident that footballers will benefit from their association with Zico by learning the intricacies of the game from the master.
"It's a great development for Indian football in general. As I said earlier, the whole intent and objective of the franchise owners was to raise the level of football to a different level," said Dempo.
The ISL was officially launched in Mumbai on August 28 by Nita Ambani in the presence of Sachin Tendulkar and other co-owners of the eight franchises.
A total of 49 foreign players were drafted during the session for the eight-franchise league, which is slated to run from October 12 to December 20. Seven players have been directly recruited by the teams.
Though the ISL has managed to attract some big-name overseas signings and grabbed eyeballs, opinion remains divided if it can help lift the standard of football in the country which already has an existing national football league (I-League).
