ZIco, who coached the Japanese national team between 2002 and 2006, cited the Japanese passion for sport as well as a proven ability to host outstanding international sporting events as evidence for this claim.

"The Japanese passion for sport is great, both in playing and spectating," he said.

"It is a country that is even beyond being passionate about sport and one that offers all the conditions for warmly welcoming people.

"There was a park close to my house in Japan and it was always full, everyone practicing many sports - that was very cool to see.

"Sport in Japan brings unity, friendship and many important influences to society."

Striker Zico scoring a stunning 52 goals in a Brazilian national team career which encompassed 72 caps and three consecutive World Cup appearances in 1978, 1982 and 1986, before he finished his playing days in Japan with J-League outfit Kashima Antlers.

He started coaching five years later with the same club and later enjoyed a four year stint as Japanese national team manager which included victory in the 2004 Asian Cup as well as qualification for the 2006 World Cup.

Zico has become the latest footballing figure to endorse Tokyo 2020 after similarly positive comments from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger





He is therefore ideally placed to describe Japan's capabilities and remains confident that "Japan has the entire infrastructure to be a great host".

He added: "Everything works and everything is well organized for people to go to the stadiums.

"Japan successfully co-hosted the World Cup and from what I saw and the experience I had there, both the facilities and Japan has all the right conditions to hold the Olympic Games.

"Tokyo is totally ready and I would be very happy if they were to win the honour of hosting the Games, because Japan is a country that always seeks to provide the best hospitality for everyone who comes to the country.

"I think that everybody who goes to Japan is delighted with the warm welcome and the caring of the Japanese people and that Japan is now fully prepared to host,"

Zico's support follows a similar endorsement from another international coach in Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and is a boost for the bid as they seek to maintain their momentum in the final stages of their campaign.

The decision is due to be made here on Saturday (September 7) here as part of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session where Tokyo will battle with rival bids from Madrid and Istanbul.