Deco close to Chelsea switch

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June 17, 2004 20:44 IST

Portugal midfielder Deco says he is almost certain to join English premier league club Chelsea after Euro 2004, TSF radio has reported.

"I have things practically resolved with the clubs," the Porto player said on Wednesday after featuring in Portugal's 2-0 defeat of Euro 2004 Group A rivals Russia.

"I still have to do medical examinations and sign a contract with Chelsea, which should happen after Euro 2004."

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The 26-year-old Deco, who was born in Brazil and whose decision to play for Portugal sparked a debate over naturalisation, is the second player from the Champions League winners set to link up with former Porto coach Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Right back Paulo Ferreira is reported to have joined the premier league club, though Chelsea say a deal has not yet been completed.

Born in Sao Paulo, Deco -- full name Anderson Luis de Souza -- arrived in Portugal in 1997 to play for lowly Alverca. He then moved to Salgueiros and has been at Porto since the 1999/2000 season.

He made his international debut in April last year, ironically against the country of his birth, and celebrated by scoring from a free kick in Portugal's 2-1 win.

Portugal and Real Madrid's Luis Figo led the criticism of Deco's selection, saying in a newspaper interview: "You can learn national anthems but not feel them".

Deco said he did not take the criticism personally and that everyone was entitled to their opinion.

Deco began Euro 2004 as deputy for Rui Costa but won a place in the starting lineup for the match against Russia.

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