体坛英语新闻：Flamengo names Zico new executive of soccer

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Flamengo soccer club president Patricia Amorim announced on Sunday that Zico will step in as the executive director of soccer.

The former player and idol at Flamengo confirmed his return to the team with enthusiasm.

"I am the new exective director of soccer at Flamengo. After talking with Patricia Amorim for more than three hours, we worked out a deal that is good for both parties. I hope to bring the prestige and honor back to the team that the fans deserve," said Zico.

Zico is expected to receive his official introduction on June 1. The only condition that Zico demanded in his contract was that he is not to receive his pay directly from the club. He will fill the shoes of Marcos Braz, the club's vice-president who was released in April.

Zico has been unemployed since January of 2010. He was recently fired as the head coach of Olympiacos. He also coached at CSKA, Fenerbache, Bunyodkor and led the Japanense national soccer team. He ended his playing career with Flamengo in 1989, leaving the team to play in Japan.