Former Brazil keeper Julio Cesar to retire

Former Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar has confirmed he will retire from football following Flamengo's home clash with America Mineiro in the Brazilian Serie A on Saturday.

"The penny has dropped and I'm fully aware of the decision I've made," Cesar told reporters. "I'm anxious to play [the last match] but I'm also prepared for retirement," he added.

The 38-year-old has played just once since rejoining his original club Flamengo on a three-month deal in January after parting ways with Portugal's Benfica.

He cited "physical problems" for his decision to decline an offer from Flamengo to extend his contract.

"It was a choice I made three months ago," Cesar said. "The club made it clear at the time that it did not need a goalkeeper. But explained my situation and it has always been clearly defined.

"I know my responsibility. I hope the Maracana [stadium] is full on Saturday, not for Julio Cesar, but for Flamengo."

Having begun his career with Flamengo in 1998, Cesar moved to Europe in 2005 and enjoyed successful spells with Chievo, Inter Milan, Queens Park Rangers and Benfica.

He played for Brazil at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and was a part of the Inter Milan team that won the 2010 UEFA Champions League.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)