Panaji:

heaved a huge sigh of relief after Brazilian legend

confirmed that he would return to India for a third stint with FC Goa in the

.

Zico was at the heart of FC Goa’s campaign in the first two editions of the

and led the Goan franchise to the final last season, losing in the final few minutes against Chennaiyin FC at home. Since then things have not been the same for the Goan franchise – now owned by casino entrepreneur

– but Zico’s decision to continue with FC Goa comes as a major boost.

“Only thing that is missing at the moment is Zico’s signature. Both parties have agreed terms and the deal is done. Zico has agreed to coach the franchise, although, for now, he might only be in charge till the end of the ISL campaign. FC Goa initially wanted him on a longer deal but somehow Zico still needs to be convinced,” a source who has been tracking the development told TOI on Thursday.

According to the source, Zico could even make an appearance next week in Goa when the new owner will address the media for the first time. The media conference has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday at city hotel and plans are afoot to get Zico as well to sit alongside the new owner.

Zico will continue to be the best-paid manager for the third successive year.

FC Goa are understood to have gone all out to procure Zico’s signature for this season. The departure of co-owners Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinivas Dempo has sparked some negativity among the fans and Zico, most-loved by all and sundry, is the biggest magnet that can attract fans back to the franchise.

Zico himself was close to both the former co-owners and there was a huge question mark whether he would consider a return after lambasting the ISL organizers for punishing the franchise based on a “clearly cooked” video.

“I have no words! I feel disgusted for the order taken by the committee. How can ISL put such a heavy fine of Rs 11 crore (around USD 1.6 million), put bans of 2-3 year on owners and docking of 15 points for FC Goa?” Zico wrote in an email to the co-owners.

Jaydev Mody, chairman of Delta Corp, the biggest players in Goa’s floating casino market, is now the majority stakeholder in FC Goa. He has picked up the 65 per cent stakes that Dattaraj and Shrinivas left behind for an estimated cost of Rs 65 crore.

Videocon Group (23 percent) and cricketer

(12 per cent) are the other co-owners.