Sao Paulo, Brazil – Former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Deco announced his retirement on Monday after spending the past few years in Brazil.
The 35-year-old returned to Brazil in 2010 after a successful career in Europe, and he has spent the past couple of seasons with Fluminense.
But on Monday, the Portugal international decided to call time on his career after struggling with persistent injury issues.
Deco made his name at FC Porto by winning the UEFA Cup and Champions League under manager Jose Mourinho.
He secured a move to Barcelona in 2004 and won another Champions League crown with the Catalan outfit in his four years at Barca before joining Chelsea in 2008, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup double before departing for Brazil.
Deco also earned 75 caps for Portugal during his international career, scoring five goals.
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