SAO PAULO (AP) — Former Brazil great Zico reportedly has reached a deal to coach the Iraqi national team.
Zico tells the website of the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper that he has agreed to coach Iraq through the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He says minor details are being negotiated before the contract is signed.
The 58-year-old former playmaker coached Japan when it was eliminated in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He also coached clubs Kashima Antlers, Fenerbahce, CSKA Moscow and Olympiakos, among others.
Zico was a star for Brazil at the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
He began his career with popular Brazilian club Flamengo and also played for Italy’s Udinese in the early 1980s.
