(BDCi) — Former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Deco has announced his retirement from soccer.
The 35-year-old, who has been at Fluminense since moving back to Brazil in 2010 has decided to hang it up after struggling with persistent injury problems.
The former Portugal international confirmed his decision on Monday and expressed his regret at not being able to play longer.
“My muscles can’t take it anymore. I would have liked to help Fluminense much more but my body is not allowing me to,” he said.
“I think everyone is clear that I dedicated myself, I put forth effort and I supported my continuing until the end of the year. From the physical aspect, I could play but my muscles can’t take anymore.”
Deco was born in Brazil but moved to Portugal as a teenager, where he had short spells at Benfica and Salgueiros, before making his name at Porto.
Playing under Jose Mourinho, he helped the club to both the UEFA Cup and Champions League, earning himself at big-money move to Barcelona in 2004.
Deco spent four years in Barcelona, winning another Champions League before signing with Chelsea in 2008, where he won a Premier League and FA Cup Double before moving on to Fluminense.
The midfielder also won 75 caps for Portugal, for whom he claimed citizenship and scored five goals.
Source:espnfc.com