One of the biggest names in European football arrives in the Premier League. Quite where he’ll fit in is anyone’s guess though
The naturalised Portuguese was Brazilian manager Luis Felipe Scolari’s first signing at Stamford Bridge, in the summer of 2008, and his £8m tag seemed a snip for one of Europe’s leading creative midfielders.
After moving to Portugal at the age of 19, Deco really came to the fore at Porto, where his vision, artistry and midfield wit inspired the club to successive European trophies – the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the 2004 Champions League.
When Jose Mourinho joined Chelsea, it looked as if Deco would follow, but Barcelona stepped in with a €13m to spirit the mercurial playmaker off to the Nou Camp. Surprising many with his prodigious work-rate, Deco went on to become Barcelona’s heartbeat, gluing together the team’s talented but sometimes fractious stars on the way to Champions League victory in 2006.
By common consent, he had a poorer 2007/08 season, but he was back to his best at Euro 2008 and will hope to shine in the Premier League.