Brazil legend Zico celebrates 60th birthday

Mar 3, 2013 11:00:00 AM

His former club Flamengo have erected a statue outside their stadium in honour of the iconic ex-Selecao star, with fans chanting “better than Pele” on Saturday

Brazil legend Zico is celebrating his 60th birthday on Sunday!

Flamengo honoured their iconic top goalscorer of all-time - who competed in three World Cups during his playing career - by erecting a statue of the footballing great outside their ground.

Hundreds of supporters gathered for the unveiling, with the ex-Selecao star himself in attendance, and chants such as "better than Pele" were sang on numerous occasions towards Zico.

"My father taught me to love Flamengo, which has always been my second home," he said at the unveiling.

"I've always done everything with love and dedication, thinking of the best for the club and the fans. This [statue] makes me so proud.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you... thank you 60 times!"

Despite a glittering playing career which has seen him rank amongst the all-time greats, Zico has failed to see as much success as a coach, and his CV is littered with failed international adventures with Japan and Iraq and short stints at CSKA Moscow and Olympiakos.

He did see enjoy some success at Fenerbahce, however, where he won the league title and took the Turkish team to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Zico's name still crops up in the news occasionally - most recently, he suggested Lucas Moura would go on to outshine Neymar for Brazil - though he is currently enjoying his 60th birthday without the pressure of a coaching job.

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