Brazilian legend Zico, the most high-profile coach in the upcoming Indian Soccer League, wants the 'Japan model' to be followed by India in order to improve the standard of the game in a country of 1.4 billion people.
"If football needs to grow in India, one needs collective effort just like it happened in Japan," said Zico, who will be in charge of ISL franchise FC Goa.
"When I first went to Japan (1991), there was no professional set-up but the biggest advantage was the intent and collective effort by the Japanese people to raise the standard of their game in the country," said Zico, who had scored 48 international goals in 71 appearances for Brazil.
"In India, if you want football to grow, it will depend on Indian players and how hard people here are willing to work for the betterment of the game. I am not bothered if you have amateurs or professionals but my job is to help with my expertise but intent is in your hands. From my end, I assure my co-operation and experience," one of the biggest names in world football in 1980's apart from Diego Maradona and Michel Platini.
One of the greatest players to have never won a World Cup, Zico made it clear that he is not here to be a "mere passenger" but is eyeing to contribute for the cause of Indian football.
"Asia is becoming stronger and I have not come here to be a mere passenger. I want to be part of the development of the game in India. Despite being such a huge country, it is unfortunate that India have not made a mark in the football map of the world," lamented Zico, who was also known as 'White Pele' for his dazzling skills.
