Brazilian keeper Helton is confident that Porto can eliminate
Chelsea and go on to win the UEFA Champions League this
season.
The Portuguese side last won Europe's biggest club competition in
2004 under the supervision of Jose Mourinho, but their former
leader now stands in their way of a place in the
quarter-finals.
The Blues boss will return to Estadio do Dragao on 21st February
for the first leg of the last 16 tie, and if reports in the English
press can be believed then this season represents Mourinho's last
chance of winning the European Cup with Chelsea.
The London side are currently suffering a poor run of form in the
Premiership - with speculation suggesting that Mourinho is ready to
leave in the summer - and Helton feels Porto can take advantage by
eliminating The Blues from Europe.
Moreover the goalkeeper - who has been selected in Brazil's squad
to play Portugal on 6th February - is not ruling out Porto
emulating their shock victory in 2004 by triumphing in Athens in
May.
"People have made the English club favourites but I am always
optimistic and I am convinced that we can surprise," said
Helton.
"I do not rule out winning the Champions League because this team
is desperate to succeed on the field."
Helton is also hoping that 2007 brings him a number of
opportunities under Brazil coach Dunga, but Porto team-mate Pepe is
unlikely to join him with the Samba stars.
Portugal have designs on the defender and hope to entice him to
play for the European country in a similar vein to the way Deco
opted to work under Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2003.
"He is a big player and at this moment we are studying this
question," Portuguese Federation president Gilberto Madail told
Lusa.
"The decision is down to the Federation and not only the coach.
Scolari knows our plans and has received the instructions to
respect them.
"The interest of the national team is key. With Deco the result was
not negative."