Official: Deco in the hizzouse

By: Jack | June 30th, 2008

Uncle Phil has jump started his Chelsea revolution with a shock signing — Deco. I know, you can’t believe it either.

The former Barcelona midfielder inked a two-year contract with the Blues on an £8 million deal (bargain I say), according to the Guardian. Deco, 30, will no doubt bring a touch of class to the midfield with his vision, skill on the ball and superlative passing ability. However, his transfer to Chelsea throws another wrench into the Frank Lampard saga, which continues to push on with a move to Inter Milan looking all the more likely.

“I am sure I have come [to Chelsea] at the right time to do great things and be able to help Chelsea go back to the way it was and be first, not only in England but also to win the Champions League,” Deco said. “That has been their dream for so long. The Premier League is a great league and it is getting better. You could see that at the Champions League final where you had two English teams.

“It is great that we have so many great players here at Chelsea and it is great that there is the competition which is healthy for everybody. This just makes the team better. To have great players in any position of the club just enhances the club. I know it is a new challenge but I am looking forward to it. I know I need a little bit of time to adapt, but I am sure I will adapt quite well and quite fast and do my best for the team.”

Well, most of us have called for a playmaker in the squad. Now that we have one, how does everyone feel about it? Is this the man we so desperately need?

I, for one, have always admired Deco. However, at 30, it’s going to be quite an order for him to come into the Premiership and contribute immediately. Do I think he can do it? Certainly. The man showed his class at Euro and for 8mil — that’s pocket change for this club — why not take a punt on a world class talent?

The real question: Who’s next on the list of arrivals?

Some Related Chelsea Posts:

Category: Chelsea Ladies, Chelsea Team News, Transfer News

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jake

Great signing for you guys. I am really sad to see him leave Barca, but his time was up. I think he really still as a lot to offer, which he showed in the Euros.
Jack

By the way Dave, I definitely don't see us becoming the next AC Milan -- though I wouldn't mind being that so-called "old" Milan that claimed two CL titles recently.

As for Quaresma, I vote no. Like I've said, I prefer Ribery though Robinho isn't a bad second option at all.
Jack

Liverpool fans kill me. Deco carves Carragher up in about two months.
Rob

Horray, Deco in the Prem! Colour me excited.
matt

I think it's going to be Deco in and Lampard out. It's shame after 6 amazing years but our midfield although probably the most powerful in europe does lack creativity, hopefully Deco will resolve this somewhat and usher in a few more flair players. Robinho?
rosh

I don't know why everybody is panicking about Deco meaning Lampard is leaving. It is simple. Scolari plays 4-3-2-1. Deco can play attacking midfield behind the striker. The midfield trio of Essien, Ballack and Lampard has not changed. The only other addition is Bosingwa where Belletti used to be. This is how its going to be.

-----Drogba----
-JCole----Deco-
-M.Ball-F.Lamp-
-----Essien----
Cole-JT-RC-Bosi
------Cech-----

4-3-2-1. Simple
JD

pretty much a decent sign that "fat frank" is on his way, No?
CSD

30 years old. In Premier League years that's like 50.
ar126

Not for or against Chelsea but have to say this is a class signing. The man will work great in the Chelsea system and can hopefully perform a little longer before his legs start to go.
Tommy Wong

Quaresma is almost certainly going to Inter, along with Lamps.
Dave

Posted this under the Lamps debate just seconds before you got this one up, Jack, and feel it's more appropriate here:

I’m not entirely sure how to react at the (very) recent news of Deco’s arrival. Although the man has incredible ability, I got into the habit of referring to him as “Dirty Deco” during Chelsea and Barca’s series of CL feuds for his ever-present scheming and trickery. Also, he’s thirty, and Chelsea already have way too many players in that club. Is the team going to become the next premier old folk’s home (a la AC Milan)? And does this suggest Lampard is definitely gone? So many questions…

Oh, and can Quaresma come too?