TORONTO – Has Julio Cesar played his last game for Toronto FC? It’s a question that the Brazilian goalkeeper himself can’t even answer.
Coach Ryan Nelsen revealed that TFC has a gentlemen’s agreement in place with Queens Park Rangers that allows the London-based club to recall Cesar before the end of his current loan deal. Cesar joined Toronto on loan prior to the start of the Major League Soccer season in March.
Cesar spoke to the Toronto media on Tuesday one last time before heading out to join his Brazilian teammates for World Cup training camp. Cesar will serve as his country’s starting goalkeeper at the tournament to be staged in Brazil from June 12 to July 13.
Cesar, 34, is signed to a loan deal that contracts him to TFC until December. But the Brazilian goalkeeper confirmed that QPR could call him back in August, and that he wasn’t sure if he’ll rejoin Toronto FC after this summer’s World Cup.
“I don’t know. It depends after the World Cup. I have a (loan) contract until December but if QPR wants me in August, I don’t know what could happen after the World Cup,” Cesar admitted.
The former Inter Milan star has two more years remaining on his deal with QPR, and said he has no plans to retire even if Brazil wins the World Cup.
QPR meets Derby County in the English Championship playoff final on May 24 with the winner earning promotion to the Premier League for the 2014-15 season. If QPR does get promoted, conventional wisdom suggests they’ll recall Cesar.
“We have to sit down with QPR. They might be in the Premier League, so there are a few variables to look into,” said Nelsen, who played with QPR before retiring and being named TFC coach last year.
Joe Bendik, last season’s No. 1 goalkeeper for Toronto, has started the last three games—one MLS match and both legs of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinal. With Cesar gone, he will continue to start for Toronto, including Friday’s road game against Sporting Kansas City, with Chris Konopka backing him up.
“Joe’s improvement has been helped by Julio’s arrival… He’s feeling the benefits of having the opportunity to work with one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Nelsen offered.
If Cesar doesn’t return to Toronto after the World Cup, Nelsen isn’t concerned because he feels Bendik can capably fill the Brazilian’s shoes.
“If we didn’t have Joe Bendik, I’d be more worried. But we have Joe,” Nelsen stated. “If Julio stays, brilliant. But he decides to move on and if QPR decides to move on, then Toronto will move having had a great experience of Julio with us.”
Cesar has earned over 75 caps since making his debut for Brazil in 2004. He helped the Selecao win the Copa America that year, as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009 and 2013, the latter competition taking place in Brazil.
But it was Cesar’s blunder against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup—with Brazil leading 1-0—that allowed Wesley Sneijder to tie the game in the 53rd minute. That goal swung the momentum in the favour of the Dutch who added a second goal 15 minutes later en route to upsetting the favoured Brazilians.
“It was a difficult moment for me in my career but I’ve put it behind me now. This (World Cup) is another opportunity for me to realize my dream. I’m going to be relishing the moment,” Cesar said.
The warm and friendly Cesar has been grateful for his time so far in MLS, saying it’s helped him to stay sharp ahead of the World Cup.
“I was surprised with how well things were run here. I’m very prepared for the World Cup, and I’m a better person (having been) here for three months and experiencing what the club has to offer,” Cesar stated.
Cesar started seven games this season for Toronto, earning three wins with four losses, and recording a single shutout.
Brazil will compete in Group A alongside Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon at the World Cup.
“It’s not an easy group. Those are three good national teams. The first game (on June 12 versus Croatia) is always the most important … They’re three teams that deserve our respect,” Cesar stated.
NOTES: Brazilian winger Jackson is still recovering from a concussion and did not train with TFC on Tuesday. Nelsen said he could be available to play against Kansas City… Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio is suffering from a hairline fracture in his hand and a new hamstring injury. He is questionable for the KC game… Midfielder Collen Warner, acquired in a trade with the Montreal Impact last week, practised with TFC on Tuesday and could see action in Kansas City…
