Bruno adds a new feather to his cap

Asked if his new job would mean an end to his playing days, Bruno point blankly shot down the question ‘‘No way.’’ Explaining himself, the Arjuna Awardee, who is recuperating from a foot injury, said ‘‘I have not recovered fully, and prefer to present myself for selection only if 100 per cent fit.’’

For Bruno, now signed with Vasco SC, the last seven months had been most frustrating in his 14-year career. ‘‘Since playing the pro-league I never had such a long break,’’ he added. ‘‘Being out of the game is something ‘totally’ new for me. I had to do something about it, which is why I decided to keep allow the player in me to call it quits till I recover,’’ he added.

Fransa president and Sports Minister, Mickey Pacheco hailed Bruno’s decision to accept the coaching assignment. ‘‘Having Bruno as our coach is a great thing to happen,’’ he said.

‘‘I feel Bruno has made a positive move at the right juncture of his career and it will certainly benefit both the parties,’’ Pacheco added and informed that Bruno’s association with Fransa will be a ‘‘long-term’’ one and disclosed that he had plans of sending Bruno to either Brazil or Italy to upgrade his coaching skills.