Thursday 9 June 2016 20:56, UK
Former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Deco has signed up to play in India in the world’s first-ever multi-national futsal league.
The franchise-based Premier Futsal league kicks off across eight Indian cities next month, with each side featuring one marquee footballer, three international futsal players and one Indian futsaller.
Two-time Champions League winner Deco, 38, is the first marquee footballer to confirm his participation in the league, with the forthcoming player draft determining which franchise he will play for.
"I'm really looking forward to playing in the inaugural season of Premier Futsal," Deco said.
"I was born in Brazil and grew up playing futsal on the streets. It's where I picked up the skills that laid the foundation for my success on the international stage and served me well throughout my career.
"So in a sense I'm returning to my roots. I can't wait to see how I match up against seasoned futsallers who have dedicated their entire career to the shorter, more intense format of the game."
Deco's former international team-mate Luis Figo is the president of Premier Futsal.
"It gives me a great amount of joy to welcome Deco to Premier Futsal," the former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan winger said.
"We go back a long way having shared the dressing room for Portugal during our playing careers. He has great talent, skill and ability as is evident from his storied international career which, I am confident, will add a whole lot to the quality of play in Premier Futsal's inaugural year.
"We are all extremely delighted to have him."
