Legendary footballer and FC Goa coach says he lost many close friends, players and technical staff of the Brazilian first division football team with whom he had worked in the past
The Goan Network
Margao
Tuesday's Chapecoense air crash in the mountains of Colombia has left FC Goa head coach Zico shattered. The Gaurs' trainer said on Wednesday that he was close to many of the passengers who were on board the ill-fated chartered plane.
The flight, which carried ill fated members of Brazilian first division football team Chapecoense, came down near Medellin. “I lost so many close friends. I have worked with many of its players and technical staff in the past. In fact, members of Chapecoense technical staff received me at Doha last year. I knew some of the journalists who were on board too. I have never lost so many friends at one time .Iam shattered,” the Brazilian legend said.
Zico was upset about the death of Chapecoense physical trainer Anderson Paixao.
“Anderson is the son of Paulo Paixao, who worked with me during his stint as coach of Russian club side CSKA Moscow. Paulo was also the Brazil national team physical trainer In the year 2002 World Cup. Paulo was part of my supporting staff when I was in Russia. He had already lost one son some years ago due to an illness, and now he has lost a second son in the air crash. He has lost two children in a short span of time.The pain is terrible. When such incidents happen it is very difficult, a very great tragedy," stated Zico.
“Anderson was also working with the national team, and he had a long and successful career ahead of him. His demise hurts me a lot, as Paulo is a very good friend of mine,” Zico said.
He added that three members of the FC Goa squad ” Rafael, Richarlyson and Reinaldo da Cruz Oliveira ” have all played for Chapecoense in the past.
“(FC Goa forward) Julio Cesar has also played with these footballers. One of those who died was his close friend. All of us were very sad yesterday, which is why we decided not to train,” he said.
“This tragedy could have happened to us. We fly all over the world to play football. It could happen with us also," Zico concluded on a sombre note.
