Zico reaches deal to coach Uzbek club Kuruvchi

“There is a verbal agreement with the directors of the club and I am leaving today (Monday) to sign the contract,” Zico said on his website (www.ziconarede.com.br).

“I prefer to give the other details once I get there.”

Zico, regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest players, led Japan at the 2006 World Cup where they were knocked out in the group stage and took Fenerbahce to last season’s Champions League quarter-finals.

Bunyodkor, who changed their name from Kuruvchi earlier this year, also signed Brazilian 2002 World Cup winner Rivaldo from AEK Athens in August.

Rivaldo scored his first two goals for the club earlier this month.

Bunyodkor, second in the Uzbek championship, have reached the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League and host Iranian club Saipa on Wednesday in the second leg, having drawn 2-2 away in the first match.