São Paulo – A former star player for Flamengo and the National Brazilian Team, Zico has agreed to be the new coach of the Iraqi national football team. This Monday (22nd), he confirmed to news agency Reuters that he has already submitted the minutes of the contract to Iraq. “Now I am only pending signing the contract,” said the former athlete.
According to Zico, the document sent to the Arab country provides for two types of contract. The first one should see the Brazilian coaching the Arab team through the Qualification Stage of the 2014 World Cup and the Asian Cup. The other proposal suggests a longer contract, for Zico to coach the Iraqi team during the Brazilian World Cup as well. The decision is up to the Iraqis.
According to Zico’s press office, the Iraqis intend for the national team to be part of the country’s reconstruction project. Currently, the Iraqi national team practices in Jordan. The heads of the Iraqi Football Association are keen on bringing the team back to the country. Zico has told Reuters that the matches should take place far from conflicted areas. He is awaiting a visa to travel to Iraq this week.
Zico stated that he should also have control over younger categories in Iraq. Thus, he said, other professionals, including Brazilian ones, may coach said teams. For the time being, the technical committee will comprise Zico, his brother Edu and fitness coach Moraci Sant’anna.
In his coaching career, the former midfielder for Flamengo has worked for the CSKA, in Russia, Fenerbahçe, in Turkey, and Olympiakos, in Greece, among others. Zico coached the Japanese football team during the 2006 World Cup, in Germany. The Iraqi group during the Qualification Stage of the World Cup also comprises China, Jordan and Singapore.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
