ISL: Brazilian World Cup winner Lucio likely to play for FC Goa

ISL: Brazilian World Cup winner Lucio likely to play for FC Goa

New Delhi: Brazilian World Cup winner Lucio is set to grace the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL) football as FC Goa's marquee player.

Sources close to the team, which reached the semifinals of the inaugural edition last year, say chief coach Zico is keen to have the former Bayern Munich player and UEFA Champions League winner with Inter Milan on board.

Lucio. Pic/AFP

It is learnt that the centre-back is willing to work under the legendary Zico. This could mean Robert Pires, who was the franchise's marquee player last season, would make way for Lucio, also known as Lucimar Ferreira da Silva, who was a part of the triumphant Brazil World Cup squad in 2002.

The veteran defender is currently plying his trade for the Brazilian club Palmeiras. Star playmaker from Argentina Juan Roman Riquelme was also considered.

Sources said Zico has already sent a word to Lucio to consider the prospect of playing in the ISL and that an offer letter has been sent to the player by the franchise.

The 36-year-old Lucio has made 21 appearance for his side this season. He began his playing career in Brazil before moving to Germany, where he had stints with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, with whom he won three Bundesliga titles.

Lucio then joined joined Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan and won the Seria A and the Club World Cup, before winning the biggest of them all - the Champions League.