Julio Cesar has revealed how his performances at the 2004 Copa America were the catalyst for his successful eight-year career at Inter.
Brazil will host this summer’s tournament, starting on 14 June, and have been drawn into Group A alongside South American minnows Venezuela, Bolivia and Peru.
Cesar played in goal for the Selecao side who lifted the trophy 15 years ago in Peru, though, when a certain Adriano finished as the tournament’s top scorer.
“That’s where Inter saw me,” the former goalkeeper told Corriere dello Sport today.
“The Brazilian national team gives you an opportunity to put yourself in the shop window. That tournament was important for us because a lot of players went on holiday and it gave others a chance to show what they could do.
“Dida went on holiday that summer and so they picked me to play in goal. There I had the opportunity to show off my work and Inter became interested in me.
“Adriano called me saying Roberto Mancini wanted to have a chat. The Copa America was where it all started for me at Inter.”
