FC Goa has managed to wrap up the signing of Brazilian centre-back Lucimar Ferreira da Silva, popularly known as Lucio, as their marquee player for the third edition of the Indian Super League. The Indian Super League had fixed August 20th as the deadline day for clubs to sign their marquee player for the upcoming season and the Gaurs managed to get their man in the nick of time.
Lucio had a spectacular season for FC Goa last year, guiding them to their first ever finals and was a rock at the back for Goa. Lucio's experience was crucial in FC Goa's race for the trophy as the Brazilian made a total of 14 appearances, more than any other marquee player in the League last season.
Four other franchises have announced their marquee signing before the deadline day but other teams like Pune City FC, Delhi Dynamos, and NorthEast United FC are yet to make any formal announcements.
Also read: Interview with FC Goa’ s Lucio: On Jose Mourinho, Indian football, and the Brazil national team
According to sources, the Brazilian captain has signed for the Goan club for an attractive fee which makes him the second best-paid player in the ISL after Mumbai City FC's Diego Forlan. The 2002 World Cup winner had received a couple of offers from clubs in Germany and was thinking to make a return, after almost spending a decade playing in the country. But the ISL runners-up finally managed to convince the Brazilian to make a return to Indian soil.
Lucio was the prime target of coach Zico to carry on as the marquee player for the second consecutive year. The former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan defender has not played competitive football after his spell with FC Goa came to an end, but Zico remains confident that the Brazilian will continue his form for the upcoming season.
“Last year, we had to organize our tactics according to the marquee player (we had) to help the team, and if Lucio is available, we would want him,” Zico said in an interview earlier.
Now that FC Goa has retained Lucio as the captain and marquee player, the Gaurs will ensure that they put up a good fight for the third edition of the competition.
