Deco silent on his club future

Portuguese midfielder Deco has kept tight-lipped about where he will be playing his club football following the European Championships and insisted he intends to remain focused on Euro 2004, rather than be distracted by speculation about his future.

Recent reports in the Spanish press have linked the FC Porto star with a move to the Primera Liga, with Barcelona reportedly offering him a five-year contract.

However, the Brazilian-born player has also been linked with a move to Chelsea, with former Porto coach Jose Mourinho keen to take Deco to Stamford Bridge.

“This is not the best time to talk about my future,” said Deco in today’s press conference.

“I will make a decision after the European Championships because my priority right now is placed on this tournament.”

The 26-year-old has earned the trust of highly-rated tactician Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has opted for Deco in his starting XI rather than veteran midfielder Manuel Rui Costa.

“It’s natural that every player wants to be part of this tournament but this is not the reason why I’m happy,” said Deco.

“What makes me happy is the fact that this team is playing a great tournament.

“Rui Costa had a great game against England, he scored after entering the pitch.”

“We have come this far and it would be a big disappointment if we didn’t make it to the final – not only for the players but for the whole nation,” said Deco.

He urged the media not to focus too much on the absence of the classic football superpowers, with defending champions France, Italy, Germany, England and Spain out of the picture.

“It is absurd to talk about the teams that have been knocked out,” said Deco, who admitted the same situation occurred when FC Porto and Monaco reached the final of the Champions League in May.

“The reality is, that the best teams still remain in the competition,” said Deco.

“It was the same situation in the Champions League when the big teams were eliminated but the fact was - the best have remained.”