FORMER Brazil and Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar broke down in tears after watching his first club Flamengo win the Copa Libertadores in dramatic circumstances.
Victory over River Plate on Saturday handed the Rio de Janeiro club a first Libertadores title since 1981.
Julio Cesar recounted what the victory meant to himCredit: Twitter
A friend tried to grab the 40-year-old as he fellCredit: Twitter
Cesar, who would have been just one at the time of that victory, made sure he was in the Estadio Monumental stands in Lima to watch the clash.
And the dramatic scenes that unfolded got the better of his emotions at full-time.
Argentine club River Plate led early on but a brace from Gabigol in the dying moments secured an epic turnaround for Flamengo.
Footage of the ex-QPR keeper, 40, showed him in tears following the matchwinner, hugging a friend while struggling to hold back the emotion.
Moments before, he had toppled down two rows of seats in the celebration chaos.
But Cesar seemed to be fine despite the collapse and was later shown shouting into camera and watching as the trophy was lifted.
JU LOVE TO SEE IT
Despite making his name with Inter, it was Flamengo who gave the Brazilian his first chance in the game.
Born just north of Rio city centre, he joined the club academy as a boy and made his debut in 1997.
Over the next eight years he fell just short of making 300 appearances before heading off to win five Serie A titles and a Champions League at Inter.
Now retired, Cesar has revealed that he is starting a new career as an agent.
There was more good news for Flamengo on Sunday with Palmeiras dropping points to confirm them as Brazilian Serie A champions.
That marks the country’s first league and Libertadores double since Santos achieved the feat in 1963 – led by legendary forward Pele.
Cesar fought back the tears after the 2-1 winCredit: Twitter
His enthusiasm got the better of him as he tumbled down the standCredit: Twitter
Fans poured out onto Rio’s streets after the final in Peru to welcome the side home.
A huge victory parade coloured the city red and black although the end of the festivities saw fights break out and police clash with fans.
Crowds scattered as tear gas canisters were thrown, police using batons to retaliate to being hit by stones and bottles.
Military police disperse Flamengo fans following the team’s Libertadores win
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
