PANJIM: Its official now, Football Club Goa are all set to experience the Samba magic with the launch of Brazilian football legend Zico, popularly know as “White Pele”, as the manager and chief coach, at a city based star resort on Tuesday.
Shrinivas Dempo, co-owner of the club, officially unveiled Arthur Antunes Coimbra and welcomed him on behalf of the FC Goa team and all the Goans.
“It is a proud moment for the State to see you step on this soil,” hailed Dempo.
“He is the man who is capable of making a difference not only to Goa but India also. It is the proudest moment for FC Goa to give this gift to Goan football,” lauded Dempo.
“Goa is the only state in India, where football is the official sport. Zico will definitely make a difference here, he is scheduled to meet the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar next week, and I’m sure with a leader like Parrikar and legend like Zico there is a lot Goa can do in terms of the game,” he opined.
Everyone has been asking us as to why FC Goa took so much time to finalize its marquee manager and the answer is, Zico, Dempo said.
“The next step is to make India known worldwide in terms of competing at the highest level.”
Zico addressing in his Brazilian Portuguese, thanked Goa for the overwhelming response.
“I’m really happy to be here in Goa, it a very big responsibility but I have the experience in football and I’ll try to give my best to bring about a change not only to Goan but Indian football,” informed the legend.
Zico understands that the expectations are sky high from the football faithfuls in the country and is ready to take up the challenge.
“I know expectations are very high and I shall try to deliver to the best of my ability but to do that we all have to work together, a change can only come if we work collectively towards achieving a common goal,” pointed out the White Pele.
“Asian football is growing and I want to be a part of the football revolution in India and I’m sure with the Indian Super League things will change,” he further mentioned.
Zico recollecting his stint in Japan said that he finds plenty of similarities between India and Japan.
“When I stepped into Japan, things were similar as there was no professionalism there back then, but things changed as everyone work hard to bring about that change and I hope that happens in India as well,” added the former Japan coach.
He also emphasized on the need to develop football and bring out the passion amongst fans in the country.
“India has a huge population but it’s unfortunate that a country like India is not on the football map. I remember my visit to Kolkata where I was greeted by 80,000 odd supporters, so the passion and love for the game is there. We just need to develop it further,” he informed.
He said, “He will work with the squad to achieve the immediate goals set by FC Goa. We will try to win the league or at least make it to the final. I’m looking forward towards meeting the team on Thursday.”
The manager and chief coach will hit the training ground at Tilak Maiden, Vasco on Thursday along with his assistant head coach Arthur Papas, wherein he will meet the squad along with the backroom staff.
FC Goa’s marquee player former Arsenal Legend Robert Pires is expected to join rest of his teammates late next week while FC Goa’s Narayan Das, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pronoy Halder are out on national duty representing India at Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Zico’s last coaching assignment was with Qatar champions Al-Gharafa. Earlier, he was associated with Japan and Iraq, besides being at the helm of club sides like Kashima Antlers of Japan, Turkish side Fenerbache and CSKA Moscow.
