Deco has called it Time Up of his football career after 17 year on the field

Deco celebrating his goal

The Former Barcelona, Chelsea player has announced his retirement on the eve of his 36th birthday. from playing professional football the 35-year-old says his body will not let him continue his career, having played over the last 17 years

The ex-Portugal international began his career with Salgueiros in his native Brazil before winning a move to Porto in 1999, becoming a naturalised citizen of his adopted country in the process.

Following the club's Champions League triumph in 2004, he left the Primeira Liga for Barcelona, spending four years at Camp Nou before moving to Stamford Bridge for two seasons.


He left European football in 2010, returning to Brazil with Fluminense, and has decided to call it a day after three years in South America.

he said "With sadness and regret of heart I announce the end of my career as a professional footballer,"

"I would have loved to continue until the end of the Brasileiro and help the team get back in the Libertadores but my body wouldn't let me.

"I'm very grateful for all the trust and affection."

The attacking midfielder won 75 caps for Portugal over the course of a seven-year international career, representing them in two European Championships and two World Cups.