Barcelona have announced Deco as the club's new sporting director.

According to the club, the director of football Mateu Alemany will leave the club at the end of the transfer window.

Deco had been working with Alemany unofficially until now but has now been officially unveiled in his new role, which he takes on after giving up his agent duties.

Barça statement said, "Barcelona and Anderson Luis de Souza "Deco" have reached an agreement regarding his joining the club. 

"The first team player between 2004 and 2008 signs a contract as sporting director at the club for the next three seasons. 

"Deco will be in charge of setting FC Barcelona's sporting philosophy and putting together the squad with the coach and the coaching and becoming head of the football section. 

"This incorporation is in line with the statement released on 2 May in which the President and the director of the Football Area, Mateu Alemany, agreed his release from his duties once the current transfer window comes to an end on 2 September.

"As stated in the release Deco and Mateu Alemany will continue to work together until the closing of the transfer window.