Cristiano Cordeiro back in Hong Kong as Eastern coach

Brazilian Cristiano Cordeiro, one of the best defenders to play in the Hong Kong league in the past decade, is making a return to the city.

The two-time Hong Kong Footballer of the Year, 39, has been appointed assistant coach at newly promoted Eastern, it was announced yesterday.

"He found it hard settling back in Brazil and wants to come back here," said Eastern manager Peter Leung Shou-chi, whose team will have a budget of HK$10 million as they attempt to break the domination of South China and Kitchee. "No one doubts his ability as a player and he has also taken some coaching courses back home with First Division side Internacional.

"Eastern will be using quite a lot of Brazilian players in our first year back in the top flight and it's important to have good communication between the players and the management. We have worked with Cristiano before and are confident he can do a good job."

Eastern coach Lee Kin-wo, a former teammate of Cordeiro, is looking forward to working with the Brazilian again.

"We played together for nine years, five seasons with South China and then four seasons with Sun Hei," Lee said. "I have never seen him play without giving 100 per cent. He is a role model for every player and a natural leader. We are happy to have him with us as a coach."