By DPA,

Madrid : Portugal midfielder Deco has announced his intention to leave troubled Spanish giants Barcelona.

The veteran playmaker said Thursday evening that Barca had told his agent to start looking for a new club for next season.

"I will go to England or Italy, for sure," the 30 year-old said. "I will not stay in Spain, because the only Spanish club at the level of Barca is Real Madrid, and I would never sign for them."

Deco is just one of up to 14 players who could be leaving the Camp Nou this season, after a second disappointing season without trophies.

The Brazilian-born midfielder joined Barca from FC Porto in 2004, after helping the Portuguese club win the Champions League.