Zico arrives in Goa; ends speculation over ISL future

Brazilian legend Zico arrived in Goa on Tuesday and was accorded a warm welcome by the FC Goa officials, laying all speculation to rest that he will not return back for the third edition of the ISL after the tournament's regulatory committee's decision.

The 63-year-old Brazilian footballer arrived at Goa airport amidst warm welcome accorded to him by FC Goa fans. The coach, however, refused to entertain any media questions upon his arrival.

FC Goa sources confirmed that Zico would be meeting club's new chief Jaydev Mody before making a formal statement on August 4.

The football legend's arrival comes at the backdrop of several ace players leaving the franchise.

Then Dattaraj Salgaocar and Srinivas Dempo co-owned FC GOA had hit choppy water after ISL regulatory committee imposed a hefty penalty of Rs 12 crore on the Goan franchise for not attending the prize distributation ceremony after they lost the finals of the second edition last year against Chennaiyin FC.

Co-owners Dempo and Salgaoncar were banned from entering the stadium for two and three years respectively by the committee.

Zico was disappointed over the ISL regulatory committee's decision and had vowed not to join hands with the ISL club.

But the recent development of both the co-owners selling their 65 per cent joint stakes to Casino entrepreneur Mody seems to have finally made the Brazilian football legend change his decision.

Image: FC Goa manager and Brazil football legend Zico

Photograph: FC Goa/Twitter