Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar has thanked Toronto FC coach Ryan Nelsen for helping him achieve his World Cup dream this summer.
There were doubts whether the 34-year-old would be trusted by Luiz Felipe Scolari to start the tournament after he found himself falling down the pecking order at Queens Park Rangers, and he admits that the loan move to the MLS allowed him to be fully prepared for Brazil's campaign.
"I really do have to thank Ryan Nelsen so much for this opportunity that he gave me. He said, 'Come here and I'll help you and you will be ready to play in the World Cup," Cesar told members of the media.
"I'm so thankful for what they've done for me because if I hadn't been playing it would've been hard to play in the World Cup. I am improving with every game, improving my rhythm and enjoying every moment."
Cesar will be in goal when Brazil face Chile in the last 16 on Saturday.
Callum Mulvihill
