• Premier League

Deco closing on Chelsea exit

Soccernet staff
May 18, 2010
Deco has been a bit-part player for Chelsea this season © Getty Images
Enlarge

Chelsea midfielder Deco has held transfer talks with Fluminense and could return to his native Brazil next season.

Deco, who became a naturalised Portugal international in 2002, won the Premier League and FA Cup Double with Chelsea this season but is weighing up his options with only one year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge.

"There's a strong possibility (of a move to Fluminense) but at the moment I can't confirm anything because I have a contract with Chelsea," Deco said. "I'm only going to decide after the World Cup."

Deco began his career with Sao Paulo club Corinthians but moved to Europe in 1997 with Benfica and made his debut for Portugal six years later after being awarded citizenship. He will join up with the Portugal squad on Wednesday for their World Cup preparations.

The 32-year-old, who won the Champions League with Portuguese side Porto in 2004 and Spanish giants Barcelona in 2006, insisted a return to Brazil would not be a move into semi-retirement.

Deco said: "I'm not coming (to Brazil) to end my career. I'm coming to play. I believe I have a few more good years to play at a high level."

Former Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari brought Deco to Chelsea in an £8 million deal in 2008 but was sacked seven months later and Deco has struggled to secure regular first team football under a succession of managers.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices