Brazilian legend Zico expresses hope for further football growth in the Philippines
WHILE his visit in the country was short and hectic, it was enough for Brazilian football legend Zico to be impressed with what he saw and expressed hope for the continued development of the Beautiful Game in the Philippines.
Went on the invitation of Seven Seas Properties, a company that promotes Philippine real estate and Philippine stocks in the Japanese market, Zico got a chance to immerse in the local football scene while here as well as share his knowledge and experience from a career that made him one of the best in the game all time.
“I could see lots of kids enjoying football [ here] and that is what motivates me [to do these kinds of projects],” said Zico, whose real name is Arthur Antunes Coimbra, before leaving Sunday night.
Upon his arrival in the country on Friday, the former attacking midfielder was able to get a better idea of the growth of football in the country after attending training sessions and clinics in various parts of the metro as well as talking to stakeholders of the sport, including officials from the Philippine Football Federation and Philippines Football League and national men’s football team coach Thomas Dooley.
Zico, 64, said that he hopes his visit had contributed in one way or another to the football thrust in the country while also expressing support for greater achievements for the Philippine national team.
“I came here to contribute to football in the Philippines. I hope my visit will help develop the game here,” said Zico.
Adding, “I hope this is just the beginning, and hopefully one day the Philippines can qualify for the World Cup.”
Zico is considered one of the best footballers in the world during the late ’ 70s and early ’ 80s. He starred for the Brazilian national team, scoring 48 goals in 71 appearances. In 1999, the attacking midfielder came eighth in the FIFA Player of the Century grand jury vote, and in 2004 was named in FIFA’s list of the world’s greatest living players.
He also had a successful managerial career, leading Turkey’s Fenerbahce, Greek team Olympiacos, and CSKA Moscow to titles. Zico was also in charge of the Japanese national team when they won the AFC Asian Cup in 2004.
Zico’s visit in the country was also made possible in cooperation with Solar Philippines, the makers of Pocari isotonic drink, Inter Sports Partners, AgriNurture, and Primex. —