Brazil legend Julio Cesar dramatically collapses and breaks down in tears as beloved Flamengo win Copa Libertadores
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.
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.
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.