The 30-year-old was last month given permission by Barcelona to speak to other potential employers, and has revealed he would prefer a switch to England or Italy.

He has been linked with moves to both Chelsea and Internazionale, but for now the former Porto playmaker is fully focused on his national team's Euro 2008 adventure.

"I do not have to prove anything to anyone," he said ahead of Wednesday's second Group A match against Czech Republic.

"I'm here to play for myself and for Portugal. My future does not rest on what happens at the European Championships."

Luiz Felipe Scolari's team triumphed 2-0 in their opening match against Turkey at the Stade de Geneve on Saturday to claim an early edge on goal difference over the Czechs, who overcame co-hosts Switzerland 1-0.

Deco is satisfied with the start his side have made to the competition - particularly after giving themselves a mountain to climb by losing their first match to Greece in Euro 2004. But he is not getting ahead of himself just yet.

"It was important to get off to a good start, which did not happen in 2004, but it's too soon to talk about us as finalists," he said. "We must take one match at a time."

Portugal will count again tomorrow on the vociferous backing of their buoyant fans, who were in fine voice during Saturday's win, again on the streets around their Neuchatel base and also inside the Stade de la Maladiere for Sunday's open training session.

The squad are delighted with the level of support but will not let the carnival atmosphere distract them, according to Brazil-born Deco.

He said: "When we arrived, it was already like that so it was not a surprise for us what happened on Sunday.

"We are very happy to see all the people here supporting us but it doesn't affect our attitude at all."