In an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia as part of their ‘Casa Sky Sport’ interview series aired yesterday, legendary Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar spoke on a range of topics, many of which related to Inter.
The former Brazilian national team shot-stopper spoke on his most beautiful saving he made during his playing career which spanned some 21 years.
“The best and most important save is the one against Messi in the Champions League semifinal. Even now when I return to Italy many fans talk about this save. The fact it was Messi makes it even more beautiful,” he began.
He proceeded to downplay the idea that there was a time during his Inter career when he was the best goalkeeper on the planet.
“I am very humble, so I never felt the best in the world, I lived in the moment when I went on the field. I did great things at Inter but at that time there were also many other goalkeepers who were doing very well in the world.”
Cesar, who also represented Flamengo and Toronto among others during his career, then sang the praises of current Inter number one Samir Handanovic.
“He is very strong, even if they don’t talk much about him abroad because Inter have played little in the Champions League since he has been there, but for me he is definitely one of the five strongest goalkeepers in the world.”
He was then asked if he ever expected to win as much as he did during his seven year spell on Inter’s books.
“No, honestly I did not. Every year we won something. We won 14 trophies during my time with the club, an average of two a year. I did not expected Inter to go so long without winning another trophy.”
Next the now 40-year-old spoke on former Inter manager Roberto Mancini, the manager who brought him to Inter.
“Thanks to him I gradually began to understand the importance of tactics in Italy. He was always perfect ad very vain. He believed in me.
“I am happy that we won trophies in those years with him. I want to take this opportunity to thank him for the opportunity. I have told him many times, he has changed the life of my family and I.”
He then reminisced about his famous Milan derby penalty save against former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Everyone always asks me about this. I tried to take away his concentration. I went up to him and I said, ‘you will shoot this down the middle, I know you well’. He then shot, he hit it very well and he replied, ‘now go get the ball you piece of…’.”
In conclusion, he was asked whether he would have stayed with Inter forever if he could have
“Definitely yes but when I left something had happened that I could not understand. I will always show respect to the club though for what they have done for me and my family. I left Inter and went out through the same door through which I entered. If it were up to me I certainly would have stayed at Inter for the rest of my career.”
