A World Cup champion with Brazil in 2002 and a treble winner with Inter in 2010, Lucio has seen it all in international and club football. The latest stop in the resplendent career of the two-time Confederations Cup winner and a Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich is FC Goa in the Indian Super League.
A replacement for former Arsenal star Robert Pires as Goa’s marquee player, Lucio has settled down in his new team without teething troubles. Having compatriot Zico at the helm made things easy for the Brazilian defender. In addition, shouldering responsibility comes naturally to him.
For Lucio, who won more than 100 caps for Brazil, playing in the Indian Super League has been an “enriching” experience.
“I feel good to play in a new league like the ISL. It was Zico who wanted me in the team. The arrangement is mutually beneficial. I’m enjoying my stint here,” he said.
The 37-year-old central defender relishes working under Zico. “What makes Zico special is the way he thinks about the game. He is hard working and honest. Even at this stage of my career I’m learning a lot from him,” Lucio added.
Brazil’s decline has been alarming in the last few years but Lucio is hopeful about the future. “Football is all about ups and downs. Brazilian football is affected when players leave for Europe when they are very young. The World Cup at home was a disaster, but I am sure the tough times will not last long,” he said.
Lucio rated the Champions League triumph with Inter as the highlight of his club career. “I had to quit Bayern after learning that I was no longer part of coach Louis van Gaal’s plans. Bayern taught me how to be tough and it was with Inter I had my best moments. The treble in 2010 and the 2002 World Cup will always remain close to my heart,” he said.
The Brazilian rated Chelsea manager and former Inter boss Jose Mourinho as the best he has played under. “He is smart and technically strong. What he is facing with Chelsea now is just normal. No team can win everything every year. Even a team like Barcelona would have a bad season. Mourinho can turn things around at Chelsea,” he said.
