Legendary former Inter goalkeeper Julio believes that Inter will have what it takes to do a deep run in this year’s edition of the Champions League.
Speaking to Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica in an interview published in totday’s print edition, the Brazilian gave his thoughts on the strength of this Nerazzurri team as they prepare to face Real Madrid in their Champions League group stage opener at the San Siro.
Cesar is in the elite group of player to have won Europe’s top competition, having gone all the way in the 2009-10 season with Inter.
This was the season in which the Nerazzurri also won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia to complete the treble, marking one of the great sides in the club’s history.
Cesar is not sure if this Nerazzurri team is quite ready for that level of accomplishment, but he believes that they are still strong enough to make a significant impression.
“It is the dream of every player to play in the Champions League and win it,” he said, reflecting on his own time in the competition “Then sharing it with that fantastic team was a truly amazing thing.”
Of the current Inter team he said that “They can compete with anyone. Of course, there is Real, but they shouldn’t be afraid of anyone. They are very strong, they have signed players with character. And I expect Italy to be able to have two or three teams deep in the competition, I think they can send at least one team to the final or semifinal.”
Of current Nerazzurri Number One Samir Handanovic, Cesar said, “He is among the five best keepers in the world, he’s fantastic. In the league he can give you 10-15 points, if he has not yet received the recognition he deserves it is because Inter had not played in the Champions League for many years.”
