Amid the buzz surrounding what has been termed a game-changer for Indian football, Brazilian legend Zico says the 158-ranked nation's hopes of scaling greater heights in the world sport depends solely on the local players' "mentality" and their "ability" to develop.
The much-anticipated Indian Super League, a first in international football, is kicks off on Sunday and Zico is at the helm of FC Goa, one of the eight franchises that will be competing in the tournament which will run till December 20.
Many see the league as an initiative that will change Indian football forever. Called the 'White Pele' - a sobriquet he loves to hate - for his extraordinary skills with the ball, the 61-year-old Zico has his own take as far as benefits of ISL are concerned.
"It depends. If India would like to grow, it depends on the Indian football players' mentality. We can provide help through our rich experience and coaching but the ability to grow lies solely with the player," Zico told PTI in an interview.
He added: "I am here to extend my help for the growth of football whether the player is amateur or a professional. But I hope that football scales greater heights with the combined help of the federation and the government."
One of the greatest footballers to have not won a World Cup, Zico is surprised that a country as big as India and, with its massive population, has not been able to make a mark globally. The man behind Japanese football's rise, asserts that he is in India on a mission.
"India is a very large country but it is very unfortunate that the standard of football is not too high. I came to Kolkata in 2004 for the world cup preliminaries and saw stadia full of people enthusiastically cheering and enjoying the game. If there is so much love for the game then there should be something done to raise its standard.
"Asian football and Indian football is getting stronger. I am not here to be a mere passenger, I am here to be a part of the development of football in the country.
"For success, we have to work very hard. I have done so in my country and will do the same in India. I will offer my experience and knowledge to better the sport of football in the country."
He was at the helm when Turkish side Fenerbache tamed Chelsea in a UEFA Champions League match. He also masterminded Japan's Asian Cup win. Asked if India can dream as big, Zico said it will need to believe that it can do well.
