Brazilian number one set to seal Loftus Road switch
The English Premier League is the best division in the world. Everyone wants to play here and I am no different." Julio Cesar
EXCLUSIVE: JULIO AGREES DEAL
Brazilian number one set to seal Loftus Road switch
LEGENDARY Brazilian number one Julio Cesar has agreed a four-year deal at Loftus Road.
The 32 year-old goalkeeper – who has 64 international caps to his name – has agreed a contract until the summer of 2016, after leaving Inter Milan.
The deal, however, is subject to the player receiving international clearance and being granted a visa.
The imminent arrival of Cesar – who won the Champions League and five titles with Inter during his seven years in the San Siro – represents quite a coup for QPR manager Mark Hughes, who expressed his delight at the arrival of the experienced shot-stopper.
“It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to attract a keeper of such outstanding ability to the club,” said Hughes.
“When the opportunity to sign a player of his quality presents itself, you have to act quickly and we’ve managed to get the deal done.
“It was always my intention to bring two goalkeepers to the club this summer and now we’ve got fantastic competition in that department.”
Hughes added: “He’s an outstanding individual, as well as being an outstanding player.
“Not only will we benefit from his ability, but we’ll also benefit from his experience and winning mentality.”
Cesar – who was voted the third best goalkeeper in the world in 2009, as well as Serie A keeper of the year in 2009 and 2010 – told www.qpr.co.uk: “I’m so happy and excited to be here.
“The ambition of this club was presented to me by the chairman and the coach and I couldn’t have been more impressed.
“The desire to achieve things at this club is clear for everyone to see and I wanted to be part of that. I have come here to compete for the shirt and give my all.”
He added: “The English Premier League is the best division in the world.
“Everyone wants to play here and I am no different. Now I just want to give my all to the club and show the fans what I am capable of.
“This is a really exciting move for me and I can’t wait to get going.”
Cesar, who will wear the number 33 shirt, is expected to be available for selection for the R’s home fixture against Chelsea after the international break.