RIO DE JANEIRO: Deco, the former Barcelona, Porto and Chelsea midfielder, has blamed injury on his decision to retire from football at the age of 35.
The Brazilian-born former Portuguese international hung up his boots yesterday with a clutch of titles to his name, including the Champions League with Porto in 2004 and again two years later with Barcelona.
“With a lot of sadness and hurt I am announcing the end of my professional career,” said Deco, who has had a frustrating final season with a series of health problems for his Brazilian club Fluminense.
Deco returned to his homeland in 2010 where he picked up two national league titles with Fluminense.
“I’ve been really happy during this time, I wanted to help Fluminense more but my body won’t allow that, my muscles can no longer put up (with the demands of professional football).”
On the international stage, he helped his adopted country reach the final of Euro 2004. AFP
