Former Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar admitted that he was ruing the departure of coach Antonio Conte on Thursday, just weeks after leading the club to the Scudetto.
Conte oversaw a first league title for the Nerazzurri since 2010 but walked away after a disagreement with President Steven Zhang, and is likely to be replaced by former Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi.
In an interview with Italian television broadcaster Sky Sport Italia ahead of the Champions League Final in Porto this evening, Julio Cesar admitted that he was happy to see Inter winning silverware again but troubled by Conte’s exit.
“After 11 years, Inter have returned to winning the Scudetto and it is something that pleases me very much, the fans missed it after so many years. I remember that in my day the fans were used to it, we won every year and it’s nice to see that again,” the Brazilian declared.
“Conte’s farewell is something that I honestly can’t understand, he’s a great coach, I’ve been in training with them and from there it was clear that he was a professional. I wish Inzaghi good luck and I hope he can do a good job.”
Julio Cesar featured as Inter won the 2010 Champions League Final as part of an historic treble, and spoke of his memories of the competition during a hugely successful career.
“It is a pleasure to be here. I think a Champions LeagueFinal is the best moment, everyone dreams of this moment. You have to be calm, take to the pitch and try to do your best. Every player dreams of it, it is normal that there is a bit of nervousness but when the game starts then everything is forgotten.
“The memory that comes to mind is definitely the final in Madrid on 22 May 2010, emotions that are hard to describe. It is an extraordinary thing for every player to be on top of Europe, I think that the emotions you feel when you touch that cup are indescribable,” he concluded.
Julio Cesar joined Inter from Flamengo in 2005, via a loan at Chievo, and went on to make 300 appearances for the Nerazzurri until his departure for Queens Park Rangers in 2012.
In addition to the Champions League, the goalkeeper also won five Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia three times.
