It’s not everyday that a global football icon comes to the Philippines
Arthur Antunes Coimbra, commonly known to worldwide fans as Zico, arrived in Manila last January 26, 2018 and hosted football clinics in the following days.
The Brazilian participated in a corporate social responsibility event at Sparta Philippines, where he coached underprivileged kids last January 27.
A day later, the 2004 AFC Asian Cup champion mentor hosted a seminar for local coaches, and conducted a training session for elite youth players in the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig last January 28.
“If the (Philippines) was well developed in the football, (then) I would not be here now for this clinic.
“I came here to contribute to the country with football. Hopefully my passage here will help develop the football here in the Philippines,” said the retired midfielder.
Before his appointment at McKinley, though, Zico dropped by the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila and caught some of the UAAP Juniors Football Tournament action between the De La Salle Zobel and the Far Eastern University-Diliman.
“These outfield players they have good quality but I saw many mistakes like the basic mistakes: passing, controlling, shooting. The basics should be good, (rather) better,” opined the 64-year old.
Zico has been active in football for roughly 58 years. His compatriot Pele once said, “throughout the years, the one player that came closest to me was Zico.” The Rio de Janeiro native shared his favorite moments, which included scoring two goals to seal the Copa Libertadores in 1981, and the 2004 AFC Asian Cup which he won as Japan’s coach against China in the latter’s home country.
As a manager who has won titles at the club and international level, Zico shared what he felt Asia needed to do to catch up with Europe and South America.
“Create good teams and good players. That’s all that is necessary.”
One title that the legend never won, though, was the FIFA World Cup. The former UEFA Champions League manager earned a bronze medal in the 1978 edition, and he had his thoughts about the next one, which will be held in Russia a few months from now.
“For the South American side, I see Brazil and Argentina as very strong. For Europe, Germany and France they’re coming very strong for the World Cup,” said Zico, who later added that the one player he would have wanted to play with in the current Brazil side is Neymar.
In his third day here in the Philippines, Zico was enthusiastically setting up a shooting drill for the young players, who were eager to learn from the multi-titled personaility. It may have been brief, but it’s safe to say Zico made a lot of people smile — just like he did in his playing days.
