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Former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Deco has announced his retirement from competitive football pulling curtains on a 17 year long and decorated career.
The Portuguese playmaker has won the Champions League twice with FC Porto and later with Barcelona before teaming up with Luis Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge.
The 36-year-old announced the news via a statement which read: "I am sadly informing that my career as a professional player is over.
"The last minutes for Fluminense on Wednesday were the last ones in my 17-year career as a footballer.
"I would like to continue until the end of the season [in Decemeber] but I can't."
Deco thanked Fluminense, the club he joined following his departure from Chelsea back in 2010, and insisted that he has a great time in Brazil.
"I was very happy at the club, I would like to have helped more but my body doesn't allow it.
"I made it clear that I made an effort to play until the end of the year and many supported me, but my muscles can't handle it anymore.
"Thank you for all the support, confidence and affection."
Written by Prateek Sarkar
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