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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 9 (Reuters) – To play again in Brazil is
a dream come true, said former Portugal midfielder Deco after
completing his move to championship leaders Fluminense on
Monday.

Brazilian-born Deco, who played for Portugal in two World
Cups, was released by English champions Chelsea at the weekend
and is expected to make his ‘Flu’ debut in the Rio derby against
Vasco da Gama on Aug. 22.

“I owed myself this, it was a big dream to be able to return
to Brazilian football after 13 years,” said the 32-year-old who
had a short spell with Corinthians before joining Benfica in
1997.

“There were big difficulties getting released from my
contract with Chelsea but I thank Fluminense for keeping the
door open and making the effort to bring me back,” he told
reporters.

“I will certainly pay that back with a lot of effort on the
pitch to win titles,” added Deco who was born near Sao Paulo.

“I was lucky to join the leaders and I’m happy to be at a
very good club … with a fantastic coach (Muricy Ramalho) who
is a big name in Brazilian football.”

Ramalho was first choice to replace Dunga as Brazil coach
after last month’s World Cup but Fluminense refused to release
him.

“I want to prepare properly. I’ve been doing fitness work
for a week under the orders of Fluminense’s physical trainer so
I can make my debut as soon as possible,” added Deco who will
wear his favourite number 20 shirt.

Deco, full name Anderson Luis de Souza, won the European
Champions League with Porto in 2004 and again with Barcelona two
years later.

He spent two seasons at Chelsea, having been signed by
Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, but injuries and poor form
blighted his time in the Premier League.

Deco quit international soccer after last month’s World Cup.
(Reporting by Pedro Fonseca, writing by Rex Gowar in Buenos
Aires, editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this
story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)