Brazilian-born Deco has been granted Portuguese citizenship and is now eligible to play at international level for his newly-adopted country.
Ironically, the25-year-old Porto player could make his debut against his Brazil when the sides meet next month.
Portugal’s manager, the former Brazilian coach Felipe Scolari, spoke of the prospect of Deco playing.
“I will talk about that if and when the player is eligible,’ said Scolari.
‘But my predecessors, Jose Maria Antunes and Jose Maria Pedroto, did it in 1961 and 1970 with the players Lucio and Celso, respectively.”
Mario Jardel was also granted Portuguese citizenship although he will not be eligible to play for Portugal as he has already made three appearances for Brazil.
