Deco recalls clássico at the Antas, FC Porto was love at first sight | OneFootball

While at Salgueiros, Deco realised he wanted to join FC Porto after witnessing a charged clássico at the old Antas, lifted by Mário Jardel’s goals.

According to O Jogo, he attended a game at Estádio das Antas, which he believes was against Benfica. The atmosphere and Jardel’s finishing convinced him he wanted to play there, a feeling he described as love at first sight.

Soon after, he faced Porto with Salgueiros, then secured his move and became a key figure in the team.

Uncertainty followed the 2003 UEFA Cup win, with Barcelona, the club he called a dream, showing interest, but the move did not happen. President Pinto da Costa put the decision to José Mourinho, and each deferred to the other.

Deco stayed, with a promise he could leave the following year. The next season began poorly for him but ended in the best possible way, with Champions League success. Barcelona returned and, though he thought it unlikely, Pinto da Costa kept his word.

In 2004, Deco finally completed his move to Barcelona.

Source: O Jogo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”