The final moments of Julio Cesar's successful career could not have been at any other club than Flamengo. Nearing his final game as a professional, the goalkeeper spoke about the last three months he spent at his beloved club, praising his collaboration with the younger players, and hoping to leave a significant legacy within the game.

"My relationship with them is the best possible. I've been through this in my career. I looked at Zé Carlos, Neneca, and Adriano with a sense of admiration, wanting to be like them one day. That's what's great about football, and I hope I've managed to leave a legacy. When the book closes and I look back on the history I've built in football, what I want most is to have left something positive. I go out on the street and some people say they named their son after Julio Cesar because of me; that's priceless. I hope to close this book leaving some lesson in football and in life," commented the goalkeeper. 

The number 12 admitted he was anxious about playing his last game as a professional athlete, but assured he had made the best decision. 

"It's already sunk in, but I'm very aware of my choice. I can say that I'm certainly anxious, but the idea is very firm and mature. I'm well prepared for the game."

Even though it was his last professional game, Julio Cesar emphasized the importance of a good performance against América-MG in the second round of the Brasileirão. The goalkeeper also praised the Red-Black Nation.

"Playing this match has nothing to do with a tribute to me. It's about what I've shown in training. Flamengo wouldn't be irresponsible enough to field an unfit player. I'm well prepared and had the opportunity against Atlético-GO, where I played 45 minutes and performed well. It will be an important game; it's the second round of the Brazilian Championship, and if we win, or if we've made our contribution, I'll be able to do my part. The match coincides with an important period in my career, but Flamengo is bigger than Julio Cesar. The fans come to support Flamengo, not just Julio Cesar. The match is special, but I know my responsibility. I want to thank the fans who are buying tickets; I feel honored and flattered. I hope the Maracanã is packed to support Flamengo, not Julio Cesar. We need the fans on our side, and with them, we are much stronger," Julio stated. 

Julio Cesar's last match as a professional will be next Saturday (21), at Maracanã, against América-MG. The Nation can buy tickets for this game clicking here.

"Does Flamengo have room for improvement? Yes. Was it a difficult game? Yes. Flamengo's group in the Libertadores is tough. Playing in an empty Maracanã also complicates things. We know what Flamengo's fans mean; they're like a 12th player. It's no excuse, but I didn't see Flamengo play a terrible game. They had good moments and bad moments. If they had won the game, they could have masked the negative aspects. I had the opportunity to talk to them and told them that everyone has to support each other and look at their teammates on the field. Unfortunately, the ball didn't go in. After the three months I've spent here with this group, I can say that Flamengo will definitely qualify for the Libertadores. They still have three games."

"Ever since I arrived at Flamengo, with the team no longer needing goalkeepers, I knew my contribution would be more off the field than on it. During these three months, I was able to contribute with my experience. I've had good and bad moments in my career. It was a great performance, and I leave through the front door knowing I gave my best. Feeling loved and a friend is what matters most. Seeing Vinicius, Paquetá, Jean Lucas, Klebinho, and Lincoln asking me to stay longer was incredible. It's worth more than a title."

"The downside is waking up the next day, looking at the ceiling and saying, 'It's over.' There won't be that locker room atmosphere anymore, with players. It'll be a complicated situation to switch off from one moment to the next. The upside is having more time for family and children."