Fluminense midfielder Deco has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 36 year old previously played for FC Porto, Barcelona and Chelsea.
The Brazil-born ex-Portugal international has brought the curtain down on a 17-year career which included competing at two World Cups and two European Championships and winning one Champions League trophy, one UEFA Cup, two FA Cups, a Premier League title, two La Liga trophies and three Portuguese titles.
Deco is quoted as saying by AS : “With great sadness and regret I announce the end of my career as a professional athlete,”.
“The last minutes with Fluminense on Wednesday were my last of my 17 years as a 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.”