Júlio César: "A kiss in the heart of every supporter and head towards the fifth title in a row!"

Júlio César, 38 years of age, agreed the termination of the contract with Benfica, by mutual agreement, and said farewell to the Club he represented for the last three years and a half.

“It was my decision. I always tried to help on and off the pitch, namely in the dressing room and in practice. I saw that I was no longer helping and I thought: to hinder, I prefer to stop. I was no longer going to the training sessions with motivation. It is also a matter of personal vanity by the career I have made, 20 years. I would like to finish my career playing. I realized I was losing space, so I opted to reach a friendly agreement. The president was exceptional with me and I just have to thank this beautiful home that welcomed me and my family. I entered and I walk away by the front door with my head held high. I won eight titles, which is a great achievement ", said the stopper in an interviewed with BTV.

Júlio César also admitted that the decision was hard: “It was. I'm taking a risk. Today, I have nothing, I don't have a club. To get to this point was very hard. If a proposal appears, I'll study the possibilities; if it does not, it would be an important moment to hang my gloves, but I'm not thinking about that yet.”

This decision had to happen, even because the performance in the training sessions was no longer the desired.

“To be honest, in training, I was no longer performing like I know I can. Rui Vitória and I had a very friendly conversation, very honest. I walk away by the front door and I'm very grateful for what Benfica has given me. They won a supporter”, he highlighted. 

After producing moments of magic at Inter Milan and at Flamengo, it was the Benfiquistas'turn - who he will miss- to fall in love with Júlio César. 

“What will I miss? I will miss the fans, without a doubt. It is something captivating, especially when you win. When you lose it is heavy, but that is normal because it is a club used to victories and titles.  I' will miss Estádio da Luz, the atmosphere, the celebrations at Marquês de Pombal and the dressing room. It is like a second family”, he admitted .

The president of Benfica, Luís Filipe Vieira, was also praised for all the affection.

"I just have to thank the president for everything. We decided in 10 minutes. It was something extraordinary, I saw how much Benfica respects and will continue to respect César. He is a person with whom I want to keep a friendship, that is very strong. He is someone I admire, I will try to put in my daily routine the qualities he has. Thank you for the teachings", admitted Júlio César.

To conclude, he left a message to the Benfica fans: “A kiss in the heart of every supporter and let's head towards the fifth title in a row!”

Apart from Benfica and Inter Milan, the Brazilian international has represented Flamengo, Chievo Verona, Queens Park Rangers and Toronto FC.

Text: Marco Rebelo