FORMER PORTO, BARCELONA and Chelsea midfielder Deco has blamed injury on his decision to retire from football at the age of 35.
The Brazilian-born former Portuguese international hung up his boots on Monday after failing to overcome a series of injuries that saw him play a limited number of games over the last few seasons.
The midfield maestro retires with eight league titles to his name, two Champions League victories and a UEFA Cup win.
So as he bids farewell to his career, here are five of the midfielder’s finest moments.
Helping silence the massive Celtic support in the 2003 UEFA Cup final
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A masterclass in midfield play during the 2004 Champions League final
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Another European Cup win with Barca in 2006
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This 30-yard screamer on his Chelsea debut
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And still doing it even in the twilight of his career
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His retirement today comes before a hearing at Brazil’s sports tribunal for failing a doping test earlier this year. He had tested positive for a diuretic which can help hide performance-enhancing substances.
The midfielder strongly denies the allegations.
