Chelsea midfielder Deco has announced his decision to retire from
international football after the 2010 World Cup.
The Brazil-born playmaker has been a regular presence for
Portugal since being granted citizenship in 2002, after six years
of residence in the country.
Deco has, however, decided that he will make himself
unavailable for selection when the World Cup in South Africa comes
to an end.
"I will close my cycle after the World Cup," he told Radio
Globo.
"Because of my age and because it is tiring, I will say
goodbye to the national team after the World Cup."
The 32-year-old midfielder has 71 international caps to his
name and helped Portugal reach the final of Euro 2004 and the
semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Deco, who indicated he plans to return to Brazil
at the end of the 2010/11 season, has vowed to help Chelsea win the
Premier League.
"The title for Chelsea will be my professional fulfilment,"
he added.
