Japan coach Zico returned to Japan on Tuesday and insisted that he has not changed his mind regarding his controversial plan to call up several ex-internationals for this month's World Cup qualifier at home to Singapore, but will consult top Japanese soccer officials before making a final decision.
With Japan already assured a place in the final round of qualifiers for the 2006 finals in Germany, Zico wants to call up the likes of Kazuyoshi Miura, Masashi Nakayama and Yutaka Akita as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the national team.
But Zico's plan to turn back the clock has been widely criticized and representatives of J. League clubs, who want the coach to use the match as a stepping stone for next year and try out some of the younger and less experienced players, are strongly opposed to the idea.