Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco of Portugal
Deco said that the Portuguese have other good players, but did not think the team is considered a favorite in the race for the world title. In an interview with FIFA’s official website, he also talked about his plans for the future.
”We won some games without Cristiano, and won with him on the field. The story that a team is dependant on just one player is false. Even Manchester United continues to do well after the departure of Ronaldo, while Real Madrid have also won games without him, as did Portugal”, he said.
Deco stressed the importance of the Real Madrid striker, but reiterated that the Portuguese do not depend on him. “Of course, any great player is always missed, that’s indisputable, but Portugal are not dependent on Cristiano. All the teams want the best players and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best in the world makes a difference, but it does not seem right to talk about CR9 dependence”, added Deco.
For the Chelsea player, Portugal is an outsider in the fight for the world title. “We are not favorites. The favorites are the teams that have a history in the World Cup. Portugal has no such history, never won a World title. We do however, have a team with great quality, with great players and they could go far and reach the final. But we can not talk about being favorites. A little luck also helps in the decisive moments”, he said.
As rivals of Brazil in Group G of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Portugal also faces the Ivory Coast and North Korea in the first phase. Deco believes the duel against the African team is extremely important. “I think our biggest challenge is in the first game. If we win this opener against Ivory Coast, the chances of passing the group stage are very big. The team that loses will have a lot of trouble to get to the next stage”, he said.
Deco, the 32 year old naturalized Portuguese player of Brazilian descent, spoke about his future. “I’m going back to live in Brazil for personal reasons: I have my family there and anyway, I’ve been in Europe for 13 years. I have a house in Porto and a great fondness for Portugal but was born in Brazil and that’s where my family and social project “Deco Institute” are; in Indaiatuba. I want to return and that is what will happen when I finish my contract with Chelsea in 2011. If I’m still in good physical condition to help any team in Brazil, then I’ll play”, he added
More information and news about South Africa and the 2010 World Cup can be found at: http://www.2010-
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