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HOTSHOT Rico is urging Bahrain’s new head coach Peter Taylor to come and watch him in action with the simple message ... I could help you solve your goal-scoring problems.
The English tactician rued his team’s missed chances in the opening World Cup home clash against neighbours Qatar last week which ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw.
“We haven’t got a prolific goalscorer,” frustrated Taylor told a post-match press conference. “That is a slight problem. I can’t see us at the moment winning games 4-0 or 5-0. We need to find a goal scorer.”
That marksman may be closer to hand than Taylor ever imagined. Rico will, this season, be plying his trade with Manama after successful goal-den award-winning seasons with Muharraq and Riffa.
Only days before the goalless draw, Rico told GulfWeekly of his desire to represent his wished-for adopted country in the World Cup Finals to be staged in Brazil, the country of his birth, in 2014. It would be a fairytale ending to the forward’s career and love affair with Bahrain.
“I watched the game against Qatar and was so frustrated – Bahrain had so many goal scoring opportunities.
“I love Bahrain and it is my home. I know I can score goals and would grab the opportunity of showing the world what a great place this kingdom is on a global stage, particularly in the current situation and circumstances.
“So, Mr Taylor – come see me play and make your decision. I will not disappoint you.”
The lack of a match-winner in the line-up has proved costly to Bahrain in the last two World Cup adventures in which the country has let the chance of reaching the Finals slip through their fingers at the play-off stage.
Football pundits believe a man of Rico’s prowess could be the difference between glory and heartache again.
As well as grabbing vital goals, the magical marksman, who once earned the title of the world’s top goalscorer after notching 19 goals in 11 games, believes his touch in front of goal, professionalism, knowledge and experience of playing in Bahrain could also help rub off on Taylor’s young guns breaking into the squad.
Although Rico, 30, started his career with top Brazilian side Sao Paulo alongside AC Milan ace Kaka, he never represented his homeland at international level which could prove vital if his dream of gaining Bahraini citizenship comes true and playing for the national side.
His has lived in Bahrain for six years and lives with his wife Viviani and their two sons, Edson, 10, and Junior, four, in Amwaj, and is one of the Bahrain league’s most popular players.
A footballer must live and play in a country for no less than five years in order to be eligible to play for their adopted national side, according to FIFA rules.
A move to embrace Rico would not be unusual in the football world as, for example, Nigerian footballer Jaycee John was naturalised to represent Bahrain internationally and Germany boasts two top players born in Poland.
