Ex-Brazil forward Zico has announced that he is to become the new coach of Iraq, after agreeing terms with the country’s FA.

The 58-year-old has been locked in talks with the Asian country for the past week, but he told Reuters that a deal to see him take the reins seems to have been completed, meaning he is set to replace Wolfgang Sidka, who was sacked earlier in the month.

“Everything’s agreed, me and my lawyers have sent a draft contract to Iraq,” said Zico. “It’s all OK as far as I’m concerned, all that remains is to sign the contract.”

Iraq have not qualified for a World Cup since 1986, but the ex-Japan coach has been given the mission statement of successfully guiding the team to Brazil for the World Cup in 2014.

The Asian nation have been placed in Group A for the third round of the World Cup 2014 Asian qualifiers, with China, Jordan and Singapore awaiting them.

Zico, hailed as the ‘White Pele’ during his illustrious playing career, has been out of work since resigning as sporting director at Flamengo in October, but has previously coached the likes of Fenerbahce, CSKA Moscow and Olympiakos, with varying levels of success.