Deco says he's sorry he was injured during Luiz Felipe Scolari's time as Chelsea manager.

"Scolari will be a friend for life," said Deco. "But when the manager changed, I had just started training and straight after, another injury. It is difficult for the new coach. He talks with me and wants me to play but then, straight after, I am injured again."

On working with Carlo Ancelotti, Deco said: "I talked with the manager of course when he arrived.

"We talked a lot about things, about the game, about what he was thinking about the team, the tactics.

"The important thing is for me to start well and keep at the same level and play well all season, not just at the beginning like last season. And don't have the injuries. That's what I'm hoping for. I think we are good enough to win the league."