ISL: FC Goa coach Zico proposes potential merger with I-League; offers help with process

FC Goa coach Zico believes the ISL and I-League should be merged

Kolkata, Dec 13 (IANS) Brazilian football legend and FC Goa head coach Zico Saturday suggested the Indian Super League (ISL) be merged with the I-league so that the Indians can have only one quality league to look forward to.

The talismanic former player said he would be there to help out Indian football in the proposed merger.

"ISL, from my point of view, should be merged with the I-league. Otherwise, it will be just another league. I will be there to help", Zico told media persons here on the eve of his side's match against Atletico De Kolkata (ATK) Sunday.

On refereeing decisions not going their way, Zico said his side is focussed only on playing football and not worrying about refereeing.

"We prepare ourselves to play football, referee decisions are not in our hands, like the last game ATK striker Fikru was awarded a penalty when FC Goa defender Bruno did not even touch him, and now he is going to miss the next match", he added.

On being asked if it was an advantage playing at the Salt Lake stadium again as they have been here for the last few days, Zico quipped: "Yes, only if Kolkata play with seven men".

Zico also said that after the ISL he would go back to his native Brazil and spend quality time with his family.

"I will go to Brazil, spend time with my family and play with my grandchildren."

He also believed that his team had a lot of strength and several good players, but conceded that it would only be proved when they win in the semi-finals.

"We have lots of power and strength, our players have played hard so far, we want to win, but there will be two different teams of two different styles clashing tomorrow and it will be tough," the Brazilian added.