After talks with new Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, Deco said he was very happy at the club and wanted to show everyone what he could do. He started on the bench in the 2009 FA Community Shield against Manchester United. Deco himself stepped up to take the winning penalty for Chelsea, but was not allowed as Salomon Kalou was placed before him on the list handed to the referee. Deco had an excellent start to the new campaign. He came on as a second-half substitute in the first match of the new season for Chelsea against Hull City and assisted Didier Drogba, who scored in injury time.