Follow Japan model to succeed: Rivaldo

World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner Rivaldo on Friday expressed his desire to someday coach a team in the Indian Super League.

“I have played in Uzbekistan, Angola and Greece as I always loved a challenge. This will be a new challenge for me and why not. If I have this opportunity I will be in Delhi Dynamos (smiles),” the Brazilian ace said here.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan star, who is in the capital on a three-day tour, visited a football clinic for kids organised by Delhi Dynamos as part of its grassroots programme.

“It is very important that big names coming from overseas teach young players here. It’s important they see big stars train, observe them carefully, listen and learn from them.”

Rivaldo too feels India should follow the ‘Japan model’ in order to improve the standard of football in the country

“When Zico was in Japan towards the end of his international coaching career, they recruited a lot of foreign players but, at the same time, the Japanese were also very dedicated and hard working and those qualities helped them learn quickly.

“Now they don’t need any foreign players. They have inculcated Zico’s philosophy and methodology and they are going along, playing in World Cups. I hope this happens in India also.”

Rivaldo, who could play as an attacking midfielder, second striker and also winger, hung up his boots in 2015 after a glorious career both with his clubs as well as the national team.

He along with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho completed the famous trio in the 2002 World Cup.

Rivaldo felt Neymar could become the world’s best player in a year’s time.

“Football has changed a lot in general. I hope Neymar can one day become the best. He is already creating history in Barcelona and also with the national team, if you look at the Rio Olympics. I think by next year Neymar can become the world’