Julio Cesar terminates Benfica contract, expected to retire

Julio Cesar bid farewell to his Benfica teammates Tuesday after it was revealed the Brazilian goalkeeper and the club terminated his contract by mutual consent.

The 38-year-old could hardly control his emotions, giving each player and member from the coaching staff a hug.

Cesar is also expected to announce his retirement, but the former Inter Milan goalkeeper has yet to confirm plans to hang up his boots.

Shortly after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Cesar signed on with the Portuguese outfit and went on to make over 50 appearances.

However, his workload has been drastically reduced over the last two seasons. The emergence of Ederson, who has since been sold to Manchester City, forced him into a back-up role. Meanwhile, starting chances this term have predominantly gone to Bruno Varela while teenager Mile Svilar has been given the nod in net during a pair of Champions League encounters.