Luis Norton de Matos steps down as Indian Arrows head coach

Luis Norton de Matos, who coached the Indian team in last year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup, has decided to step down from his post citing personal reasons on Wednesday.

In a letter to All India Football Federation (AIFF), Matos expressed his inability to continue owing to a combination of personal issues and an aggravated knee injury that 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 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 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.

Matos, who had previously coached the youth team of Benfica, took charge of India’s developmental football teams in 2017 after the AIFF decided to sack German coach Nicolai Adam under controversial circumstances. Under his guidance, the Indian U-17 football team took part in their first-ever World Cup but the youngsters were eliminated in the group stage without winning a single match.

The 64-year-old was also responsible for reviving the Indian Arrows side which finished the 2017-18 I-League season with 15 points despite having only U-17 and U-19 players.