Barcelona midfielder Deco believes he should win this year’s Euroopean Footballer of the Year award.

The Brazilian-born Portugal international was one of Europe’s top 50 players nominated for France Football’s Golden Boot prize earlier this month.

Deco believes his form Porto, with whom he won the UEFA Champions League last season. should help him win the award.

“Golden Ball winners are great players who are always present at the decisive moments, and at Porto during the difficult times I always played well,” he told A Bola.

Meanwhile, Deco has stated that the only reason compatriot Luis Figo is disliked by the Barca fans is because he was so popular at the Camp Nou.

“In the end it’s a love and hate relationship,” he added.

“It’s logical the fans’ reaction to Figo whenever he plays in Camp Nou must be a reason of pride.

“This signals that he was loved and idolised like only a few in the history of club.”