Cesar Aparecido Rodrigues, otherwise known simply as just Cesar, has reflected on his best memory during his time with Inter as part of an interview with FCInterNews.it.
“It is very simple, when we won the Scudetto in Parma,” Cesar, who spent two and a half years on Inter’s books between January 2006 and the Summer of 2008, began.
“We had maintained first place for the whole season but on the last day of the season we were drawing at the Tardini whilst Roma were winning in Catania which meant the Giallorossi had overtaken us. Ibrahimovic came on and scored a brace whilst Roma drew with the Sicilians.”
The now 45-year-old then reminisced about some of the great players he played with during his time at Inter and named the best player overall that he played with.
“I played with Ibrahimovic, Crespo, Adriano and Julio Cesar and Maicon but the best player was Javier Zanetti, the captain. He was impressive and a real force of nature. He is an exemplary professional and a splendid person too.”
The Brazilian then went on to share his belief that both Inter and Lazio have what it takes to go all the way and win the Serie A title this season.
Inter are currently sitting top of the table with 54 points whilst Lazio are in third place with 53 points with both sides having played 23 games to date.
“I was practically certain about the Nerazzurri being able to compete due to the journey they are on and the signings they have made. Lazio on the other hand are a real novelty. Let’s see what happens but both teams are up there and they are actually fighting for the title.
“I really think both teams can do it [win the title]. Obviously Juventus are there and there is still a lot of games to be played but the numbers say that they can fight until the end.”
He also took a look ahead to this weekend’s match between his two former employers and shared what he is expecting from the match.
“I think it will be a tough and balanced game. It will be played by many players who have the potential to decide the match. It is a direct clash and both teams will want to win, it will be a good game.
“Inter have strengthened their squad in January but in the end, they can only play 11 players at a time. It will be a great match with champions like Milinkovic-Savic, Lautaro, Luis Alberto and Lukaku playing.”
Cesar also spoke on Stefan de Vrij and whether the Dutchman might be intimidated against his former club.
“He will not be intimidated. He is a boy with character and is a strong player. He is playing very well at the moment just like Inter. There will not be a nice welcome towards him after he gave that penalty to Inter years ago but he knows that.”
