Deco hopes Lampard stays at Chelsea for Champions League push

Deco, the 30-year-old signing from Barcelona, believes he and Lampard can both fit in Luiz Felipe Scolari's plans as Chelsea look to get back among the silverware after an empty-handed campaign. 

After winning Europe's top trophy at Porto and Barcelona, Deco can also match Clarence Seedorf's record of three wins with different teams if he helps Chelsea lift the trophy they have craved. 

Having seen what is needed for Champions League glory, Deco is aware how important Lampard will be to Chelsea's chances.  

'He is a fantastic player I have played against many times,' Deco said.  

Helping hand: Scolari (right) made Deco his first signing

'I have also seen him in training and he is a delight to watch because he works very hard, he has a first-class attitude and I am looking forward to playing with him.  

'Of course I can play with him - I want to play with him. I'm not sure he will stay but it would be great if he did and we can all play together.'

He added: 'Hopefully we will win many trophies, especially the Champions League. That is the trophy we most want to win because Chelsea have been chasing it for a long time.'  

Lampard only has a year left on his contract and could leave for free in 12 months, with Chelsea appearing reluctant to accept bids for the 30-year-old. 

Inter president Massimo Moratti, having previously claimed Lampard was torn between staying at Stamford Bridge and moving to Serie A, now insists the England midfielder has made up his mind.  

Moratti: Inter need 'patience' in the battle to sign Lampard

He told his club's official website: 'For the acquisition of Lampard we need to have patience. We have the player's approval but we have to respect Chelsea's rights. His club have every right to keep him.'

If he stays, Deco believes the competition in Scolari's midfield will be an important factor in the next campaign.  

The Portugal playmaker added: 'It's great that there are so many great players in the team - that is what I am used to. 

'We have Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard and that is very good for the coach and the team that there is so much competition.'   

Lampard will compete for a place in the Chelsea midfield with Ballack, Essien and Deco - if he stays

Deco revealed that he turned down a host of offers to join Chelsea after a miserable end to his time in Spain. 

His final season at Barca resulted in no trophies and president Joan Laporta effectively blaming the player they bought from Porto in 2004.  

'We won many titles for two years and then it was a bit difficult,' he said.  

'In these situations, the blame is usually attached to the more important players. But this doesn't matter to me any more: I am here now at Chelsea, who are one of the greatest clubs in the world.  

'I don't think I am on a downhill slope. When big clubs don't win - whether it's Barcelona, Real Madrid or whoever - it's always a big disaster. Players can't come out of that looking good and it's natural that they will be criticised because that is football. But I still believe in myself and I believe I can still be a great player.  

'I had the opportunity to choose other clubs in England and Italy but I do not want to talk about that any more. I just wanted to go to a club where I could win titles and be at the top of my game.'

Deco is friends with Cristiano Ronaldo but, regardless of whether he stays at Manchester United, does not feel his Portugal team-mate will affect Chelsea's chances this season.  

'For Chelsea, I feel we are strong enough to beat anyone,' Deco said.