The unforgettable farewell of Julius Caesar
It was special, Flamengo-themed, and the end the idol deserved.
By Mariana Sa - inJulio Cesar's farewell didn't begin at dawn. No, that moment started back on January 29, 2018, when he said he would return to be happy. That's exactly what he did. He was happy every minute he could be. He made us happy every second he was on the field wearing the Sacred Mantle once more. For the last time.
The final act began at 17:26 PM, when the Flamengo team bus parked at gate 2 of the Maracanã stadium. Julio attentively observed every detail, every face, every space he passed from the moment he got off the bus and stepped onto the pitch. It was difficult to find someone who wasn't fighting back tears watching the footsteps of an idol.
18:15 PM. Time for warm-up and reunions. For the goalkeeper, the moment marked not only the various tributes he received, but also the first time, after many years away, that he stepped onto the Maracanã pitch as a Flamengo player. Julio didn't quite know which way to look. The fans chanted loudly and strongly for him. "Stay, Julio Cesar." A hug for each of the other players and the staff. A few frustrated attempts to stop the tears from forming. Quick glances to avoid losing focus. Total focus, it's game day.
From the moment he finished his emotional speech on the sidelines until the moment he returned to the field to finally begin the final 90 minutes, he could only smile. He concentrated, said everything he needed to to the rest of the team, and thanked them. It was a series of stages filled with an emotion that can never be described, neither by him nor by anyone present in the stadium.
The ball was rolling. Julio faced the game intently. Every now and then, his gaze wandered, glancing quickly at the crowd. He knew this would be his last chance. His attentive ears didn't miss a single minute, not a single reaction. The number 12 did exactly what he said he would do: he lived the end as it should be lived. Every chance made the goalkeeper restless. The first great save was followed by a series of hugs for each teammate. Julio talked, corrected, shouted, and advised, but never failed to praise each success. He never took his eyes off the ball.
Twenty-eight minutes in. Up front, Henrique Dourado scores. On the other side of the field, arms open wide, unsure where to run. His desire was to throw himself into the sea of red and black that formed behind him. So he did. Julio Cesar crossed the area and celebrated with every inch of his body, vibrating with the Nation. Shortly after, at thirty-five minutes, penalty. The crowd called his name and made an awkward smile appear on his face. The goalkeeper thought about it, but preferred to stay in his area to watch Dourado's great penalty kick. When the ball hit the net, number 12 ran and jumped into César's arms. The old and new generations of the Most Beloved. The entire bench embraced together.
The final forty-five minutes began, and with them came the beginning of the end of his farewell. And Julio fulfilled every step of the protocol. He spoke – a lot. He did what every born leader does, knowing exactly when, how, and what to say. He made absurd, incredible saves that bore the mark of the great goalkeeper he was from the beginning to the end of his career. He lamented every missed opportunity. He fell to the ground with cramps and heard the fans ask, once again, for him to stay. He smiled knowing that, unfortunately, it was over. He hugged countless other players to thank them for the dedication that marked this Saturday night.
At the sound of the final whistle, he collapsed. He did what he wanted, how he wanted. He looked at the Nation and tapped the badge he defended for the last time. He greeted each one individually. He circled the stadium that had made him happy so many times over the years. He thanked those who will never have enough words to thank him. He contemplated the club's greatest asset, the club that made him grow. Julio Cesar thanked each section, beat his chest, and showed that his day had come to an end, but his love would never end. Kneeling in front of the north stand and the Flamengo Nation, he cheered those who changed his story forever.
Julio's heart beats for Flamengo and beats for every soul of the more than 40 million who love the jersey with all their heart. Stay, Julio Cesar. Stay in our hearts, in our memory, in our forever. Be immortalized in the history of the greatest club in the world. Stay just a few more minutes so we can say one last "thank you" for each of your saves. Just stay. To Julio Cesar, Julio of Mengão. To our number 1, 12, and whatever number he may wear. To you, idol, our eternal love and respect. Our eternal gratitude. Come on, Julio Cesar! Come on, Flamengo.