Indian Super League franchisee FC Goa started their transfer activity this season with élan, as they roped in two high-profile foreign players, in a move to gear up for their second campaign in the ISL, starting on 3 October.
Former Brazil skipper Lucio, also a World Cup winner with the Selecao in 2002, joins the side as the marquee player for the upcoming edition. The 37-year-old defensive rock, who has plied his trade with heavyweights Bayern Munich, Juventus, as well as Inter Milan, in the past, replaces Robert Pires as the Goa-based franchisee's marquee player for this season.
Shrinivas Dempo, the co-owner of the ISL franchisee, along with electronics manufacturers Videocon, cricketer Virat Kohli, and Goa-based businessman Dattaraj Salgaocar, stated that Brazil legend Zico, who is also the head coach of the side, suggested the name of Lucio to be roped in as their marquee player for this edition.
"Lucio has been signed as the marquee player for FC Goa as he was strongly recommended by Zico," Shrinivas Dempo was quoted as saying to Goal.
The side have also announced a host of other signings, which includes the likes of Brazilian striker Reinaldo, Victor Simoes, goalkeeper Elinton Andrade, and Jofre Mateu, alongwith retaining the services of Gregory Arnolin and Bruno Pinheiro.
Spanish playmaker Jofre was instrumental for Atletico de Kolkata in the previous edition, helping the Sourav Ganguly-co-owned franchise to lift the maiden ISL title.
The former Copa del Rey winner with Espanyol clocked up 12 appearances for the Atletico de Kolkata in the first edition, and also got his name on the scoresheet once, via a penalty against Delhi Dynamos.
Another player to watch out for is Andrade, who was given plenty of praise by coach Zico.
"Elinton reached the CFZ do Rio in the category junior and has always been a exemplary professional. For me, he was one of the best goalies we had, if not the best," Zico said.
"Safe and dedicated, he gave confidence to the team and secured important victories. I wish him success in personal and professional life and also great saves."
FC Goa take on Delhi Dynamos in their first game of the upcoming ISL on 4 October at the Fatorda Stadium.
