FC Goa unveils new owner Mody, head coach Zico

Panaji, Aug 4 (IANS) ISL club FC Goa on Thursday formally unveiled textile and casino tycoon Jaydev Mody as its new promoter, while also announcing Brazilian football legend Zico as the team's head coach.

Mody, who operates three offshore casinos and owns several hotels in Goa, said that he was committed to developing football in the state, known for its passion for football.

"We want to provide a platform for that footballing talent to thrive upon. The club has already laid a great foundation in the previous years and our aim is to keep that going and make gradual improvements as we go along," he said.

"After years of hard work, we want to be able to look back and satisfactorily say that there is a legacy being created. We are committed to the development of football in the state," Mody also said.

Goa-based businessmen Shrinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar last month stepped down as owners following protracted differences with ISL before Mody bought a 65 per cent stake in the football team. The other co-owners of the team are Indian test team captain Virat Kohli and Venugopal Dhoot of Videocon.

FC Goa reached the semi-finals in the Indian Super League in the tournament's first season and reached the finals last year.

Zico, who was also present at the media briefing said that he had fond memories of India in his past two stints as the head coach of FC Goa.

"India has been a great experience for me in the past two years and when the management of FC Goa reached out to me, I was happy to come back. The people of Goa have always given me a lot of support and love and I hope that this season we can repay them with our performances on the pitch," he said.

"In terms of this season, we have made some good signings and we will continue to work on the squad which will be built to aim for the title," the football legend said.

--IANS

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