Deco joins Scolari at Chelsea
Monday, June 30, 2008
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Chelsea FC have confirmed the signing of Deco from FC Barcelona – with the midfielder following his former Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to Stamford Bridge.
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Chelsea FC have confirmed the signing of Deco from FC Barcelona, with the midfielder following his former Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to Stamford Bridge.
Up for the challenge
The 30-year-old has signed a two-year contract with last season's UEFA Champions League and English Premier League runners-up, with Barcelona receiving a reported €10m for his services. Deco said: "It is a new challenge but I am looking forward to it."
Glittering career
The playmaker moves to west London nearly three weeks after Scolari, then leading Portugal at UEFA EURO 2008™, announced his decision to become Chelsea manager. "I am sure I have come at the right time to do great things," continued Deco, who made 113 league appearances for Barcelona, winning two Primera División titles as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2005/06. "We have so many great players at Chelsea and the competition is healthy for everybody – it just makes the team better."
Familiar faces
Among his new team-mates will be Deco's Portugal colleagues Bosingwa – Chelsea's early summer recruit from FC Porto – Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho. The Brazilian-born player, whose international career comprises 56 caps with the 'Selecção das quinas', also tasted UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup glory with Porto under former Chelsea boss José Mourinho.