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Monday, 09 August 2010 23:31

Deco pleased to seal “dream” move back to Brazil with Fluminense

Midfielder looking forward to Maracana experience

Former Portugal international Deco finally closed the chapter on his European career by signing a two-year contract with Rio de Janeiro club Fluminense.

The move to Flu has been in the works for several months, with Deco regularly expressing his intention to return to his native country a year before his deal with English club Chelsea ran out next summer. The Blues have agreed to release Deco from the final season of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and the 33-year-old was unveiled by his new club on Monday.

“It’s a great responsibility to come back to Brazil. Fluminense opened their doors to me and showed me what they wanted and presented a serious project, to win titles. I am certain that I will be happy here,” said Deco, who will wear the no.20 shirt with Fluminense.

“It was difficult (to leave Chelsea). I have to be thankful to Ancelotti who understood my reasons and helped me solve my problem. It was difficult to be released from the club with a year remaining on my contract, but I told them what I felt and my desire to come back and things were decided.

“It’s a childhood dream to play in the Maracanã. I have not had this chance. I left (Brazil) very early and always hoped I would return. To play in Brazil is a challenge. The anxiety (to play in the Maracanã) has never left. I want to work hard and enjoy my football.

“I am anxious to play, but this depends on the trainer and his orders. Muricy (Ramalho) will decide when I train and when I make my debut.”

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Comments (11)
Number one team in Brazil
11 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 15:28
Jerrold/Canada
I wonder if he is going to get playing time as they were the number one team in Brazil last year.

Justin, his dream was Brazil regardless of the money I believe. He has a business and charity there and wanted to be back home. I agree though about the MLS, they should bring emulating talent to this league.
Deco
10 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 14:25
South Africa
Good luck Deco you were an amazing contribution to the national team. He is a great player and i hope he does well at his new club, we were lucky to have him for our national team
I Forgot
9 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 13:30
E Gomes / NJ / SLB
Better yet.
Gol TV HD
Great career
8 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 11:16
justin from rochester
Not to take anything away from what he has accomplished because I will aslways be greatful for having him on the seleccao. WIth that being said I think he will struggle in brazil because he seems like he lost a couple yards of pace. I think he should have either gone to one of the middle eastern countries for more money or go to the MLS and sign. He would be a great addition to a club here in the states. Players would emulate him and could learn a lot.
Good luck!
7 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 03:41
Fresh/Canada
I will be watching him on GolTV!
Best Wishes Deco
6 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 03:00
AM/ Canada
Wishing you the best at your new club in Brazil.

Thank you for the great football in Europe and for the Portuguese national team. I have enjoyed watching you play.

Bye great player, you will be missed!
Underated
5 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 02:32
John/Toronto,Canada
Deco has got to be one of the most underated players during the mid 2000 era. I don't understand how he was NOT the Fifa player of the year in 2004 after leading Porto to win the domestic league, cup, Champions League, and help Portugal to the Euro Final. But to all us Portista's, he will always better the best player in the world that year. All the best in Brazil.
Good Luck and Thank You
4 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 01:28
E Gomes / NJ / SLB
Deco was a very good player in his day, and hopefully he can still provide for Flu.
I thank him for his service, and only wish him the best.
I am happy for Deco
3 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 00:02
Albert/ united States
i must say it is hard to see a great football leave a club, but i am happy for him cuz he had archive everything a good football player dream of, two champion league titles and so many domistic titles, and he wants to go back home and play for a club with so much rich history, that is just great. as a Chelsea fan i wish Deco the best in his long journey back to native land.............so long great player
decos dream
2 Tuesday, 10 August 2010 00:01
george/ usa
its great that he filled his dream completely. played in europe and the portuguese national team and now back to brazil. hopefully in the future i see him at the international games supporting the portugal national team.
Good luck Deco
1 Monday, 09 August 2010 23:51
Jerrold/ Canada
You made a good run in Europe and for the national team.

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