RIO DE JANEIRO — Former Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar says he will return to boyhood club Flamengo and end his career there in three months.
The 2010 Champions League winner with Inter Milan said on Monday: “I return happy, with a lot of desire to be a champion and end my career in a wonderful way. If today I am who I am, Flamengo played a part in my formation as a man.”
Julio Cesar, who has been given a “symbolic contract” by the club, left no doubt he doesn’t intend to play past the conclusion of the Rio de Janeiro state tournament, which ends on April 8.
“There is no possibility of extending my contract. My situation is a three-month project so that I can end my career after the Carioca.”
He added: “I hope I can enjoy those three months with the fans so we can close this chapter with a happy ending.”
The 38-year-old Julio Cesar was a starter for Brazil at the past two World Cups. He played in the 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 semifinals.
Julio Cesar, who also had spells at Queens Park Rangers and Toronto FC, says he doesn’t expect to play much for the club he left 13 years ago for Inter.
The former Benfica man joined Flamengo as a 12-year old in 1991 and made his professional debut with the Rio giants in 1997.
In all, he made 284 appearances for the club, winning three state titles, a champions cup, and a Copa Mercosul before leaving for Inter Milan in January of 2005.
Credit: ESPN
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