Deco prefers Libertadores to Champions League medals

Rio de Janeiro, April 19 (IANS) Star midfielder Deco says he would swap his Champions League winners' medals for a Copa Libertadores triumph with Brazilian club Fluminense.

When asked what he would give to be part of a winning Copa Libertadores team, the 34-year-old replied: "Both Champions League medals."

"The Libertadores is huge and gives me the chance to face the best players in South America. I was even able to play in a mythical stadium like the Bombonera," Deco told Goal.com.

Deco, who won the Champions League with Porto in 2004 and again with Barcelona two years later, is hoping to create a unique place in history by winning both Europe and South America's elite club competitions.

Deco's dream moved a step closer when Fluminense defeated Argentina's Arsenal 2-1 in Buenos Aires.

The Rio de Janeiro club are now guaranteed to play the second leg of each of their knockout phase matches at home, having qualified as the top-ranked team after the group stage.

Deco, having won top-flight league trophies in Portugal, England, Spain and Brazil, says he has no regrets about his time in Europe.

"Everything eventually comes to an end in football and I don't think that players can go on forever," he said.