FC Barcelona have formalized the return of Deco to the club as sporting director.
The former midfielder, who passed through Barça (2004-2008), had already been working since June on the organization of the Blaugrana club.
His presentation is expected to take place in September. The contract of the 45-year-old Portuguese, who succeeds Jordi Cruyff, is linked to the term of office of president Joan Laporta.
Deco, who notably represented the interests of Raphinha, decided to put an end to his agent activities to become the sporting director of Barça.
A deal was achieved between Porto and Barcelona the day after the Euro 2004 final. Barcelona agreed on a €15 million fee in cash, plus the complete rights of Ricardo Quaresma to Porto, which tagged Quaresma for €6 million.
The talented former footballer scored 20 goals in 161 games for the Spanish side.
He notably won two La Liga honors and one UEFA Champions League with Barca.
“We have a spectacular squad, with young players, we have a future and we have a present, last year we won the league and we have to continue on this path and keep working,” Deco said via Mundo Deportivo.
Speaking to the club media after his official announcement as the new sporting director of FC Barcelona, Deco has claimed that they have a spectacular squad in place.
Deco was confirmed as the sporting director at Barça earlier today even though he had already been performing his duties all throughout the summer.
And the former midfielder believes that the club already have a great squad in place which can achieve success in the years to come.
The 45-year-old spent considerable time at the Catalan club as a player and expressed his delight at returning to the team, saying:
“Coming back to this club is something beautiful for me, as a child I dreamed of playing here and I fulfilled my dream by being here as a player, I have been part of the club’s history and now I am returning with an important role, which is the sporting director.”
Looking forward to his role and the responsibilities that come with it, the Portuguese added:
“I know the size of this club and the work involved, but I am happy with the president’s project. From the beginning, I have been helping a lot from the outside and now I will do it officially on a day-to-day basis and that’s why I’m happy. Barça is a club that always generates work.”
Along with the former Portuguese international’s appointment, Barcelona also confirmed that Mateu Alemany will be leaving the club once the transfer window closes on September 2.
Discussion about this post