Luis Norton de Matos, who coached India at the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year, has stepped down from his role as the head coach of Indian Arrows citing personal reasons on Wednesday.
In a letter to AIFF, Matos expressed his inability to continue owing to a combination of personal issues and an aggravated knee injury which forces him to stay with his family in Portugal.
Matos wrote: “Certain personal reasons, chiefly the health-related issues of my parents have made it difficult for me to continue in the position of Head Coach, Indian Arrows and stay far away from Europe for the entire season. Hence, with deep regret, I have decided to step down as the Head Coach of the Indian Arrows, India’s U-19 National team.”
“I like to thank AIFF for providing me with the opportunity to work with the National youth team. I thank my staff, my players and wish them the best in their careers. Once my personal issues settle down I shall be more than happy to contribute in the future as and when I can. I have deep affection and love towards India & Indian Football & wish AIFF good luck for future,” his letter further stated.
Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF thanked Matos for all his support and contribution to Indian Football.
He said, “On behalf of AIFF, we thank Luis Matos for his guidance, support and contribution to Indian Football. We hope his personal issues including the injury get sorted out soon and wish him and his family all the best and good health.”
Matos took charge of India’s U-17 team in the 2017 World Cup after the AIFF sacked Nicolai Adam. The Indian U-17 football team took part in its first-ever World Cup under his guidance, but the kids were eliminated in the group stage without a single win.
Indian Arrows, AIFF’s developmental team, plays in the I-League and finished bottom of the table last season.
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