Zico, “the white Pelé, went abroad to become a coach.
It all started for him in Japan, where he was a sort missionary for soccer professionalism in that country.
Gary Lineker and Arsene Wenger were attracted by the structure that the Brazilian helped to create at many levels . Then the Japanese FA in 2002 handed over the national team to him. In the Far East, the Asian Cup was won in 2004 and Japan qualified for the World Cup in 2006.
Then Zico felt it was time to try his luck in Europe.
Two years in Turkey with Fenerbahce were enough for a league and a charity shield, so the countries of the former USSR looked at him. Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan became legitimate in eyes of football world when they brought the Brazilian to coach them in 2008. There he attracted the attention of CSKA, which was a tough job. He was sacked for the first time in 2009.
Olympiacos F.C happened because of the despair of the Greek club, who needed someone with an international background. Zico was free and his arrival there two weeks ago was a very good thing for both parties. He is enjoying his time in Athens, where is known as “Ziko”.