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Julio Cesar exclusive: I dream of winning Premier League with QPR

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EXCLUSIVE: I dream of winning the Premier League title with QPR, says new boy Cesar

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UPDATED:

21:45 GMT, 29 August 2012

It was a good year for Queens Park Rangers, 1967. They won the Third Division title and beat First Division West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in the first League Cup final to be held at Wembley. Alec Stock was the manager, Peter Springett was in goal and Rodney Marsh was among 11 Englishmen in the starting team. It was their most successful season.

Standards are somewhat higher in 2012. On Wednesday, they completed the signing of Julio Cesar from Inter Milan. A player who has won five League titles, eight cups and one Champions League at his last club is entitled to have great expectations. And QPR's new goalkeeper is not afraid to feel optimistic.

'I have many dreams at QPR,' said the smiling Brazilian, sitting down with Sportsmail for an exclusive chat about his move.

Family guy: Julio Cesar is bringing his wife Susanna and their children Giulia and Cauet to London

Family guy: Julio Cesar is bringing his wife Susanna and their children
Giulia and Cauet to London

'To play well for the fans, the manager, the chairman and myself. And eventually finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League and then one day win the Premier League.

'It is possible. A few years ago nobody believed Manchester City would ever win the Premier League. So we have to dream. When you dream, things can happen. That's the reason I came here.'

He has been watching clips of QPR on YouTube and has seen a video of the 5-0 defeat to Swansea on the opening day of this season.

Brazilian blend: Goalkeeper Julio Cesar will add to the South American influence at Queens Park Rangers

Brazilian blend: Goalkeeper Julio Cesar will add to the South American influence at Queens Park Rangers

And he should know they have won only five trophies in their history, but he's here and he's ambitious. And he knows how to stop goals.

Cesar, 32 and Serie A goalkeeper of the year twice in the past four seasons, watched Tuesday's Capital One Cup win over Walsall and now he is nervously testing out his English which, by the way, is not bad at all for a beginner.

'I watched the game on Tuesday and it was good to see us win,' he says. 'We have a saying in Portuguese – pe quente. It literally means ''hot food'' but it's a saying that we use to mean a good omen. So I think I was that on Tuesday night.

'When I arrived at the ground there were lots of children all excited to see me. It was great. Loftus Road is of course a lot smaller than the San Siro but I walked around the ground and I liked it. I like that in England the fans are a lot closer to the pitch. The stadiums in England are much better than in Italy. The pitch at Loftus Road is perfect, it is unbelievable.'

Unbelievable is how many Rangers fans will view having a keeper of Cesar's calibre at the club. At Inter, under Jose Mourinho, Cesar was voted the third-best goalkeeper in the world (Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon were first and second) and a flick through his best clips on YouTube will tell you why. His reactions are lightning quick and he looks comfortable on crosses, a key in the Premier League.

'London is a big attraction,' he said. 'It is one of the two or three best cities to live in the whole world. It reminds me of New York. It's perfect for my future too. I can speak a bit of English now but coming here gives me the opportunity to learn it really well. I'm a little bit shy speaking English at the moment. I don't trust myself so I'll start studying next week and hopefully in six months to a year I will speak really, really well. I'm very, very happy. It's a new experience for me and my family. The opportunity to play in the Premier League, the best football in the world. I can't wait to train, I can't wait to play.'

He's Inter QPR: Cesar admitted he researched the Loftus Road club

He's Inter QPR: Cesar admitted he researched the Loftus Road club before his arrival

'I want us to reach the top four. It can happen, as it did for Man City'

Playing would not have happened much this season if he had stayed at Inter. Samir Handanovic was brought in during the summer, with the club needing to shed high earners after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan and star defender Lucio are among the others to depart.

'Inter suggested that I reduce my salary, but no player in my situation would have done that. It became a tough situation for both parties. But I want to thank president Massimo Moratti for the seven wonderful years we have had together.

Competition: Green could lose the No 1 jersey after arriving only in the summer from West Ham

Competition: Green could lose the No 1 jersey after arriving only in the summer from West Ham

'I'll ask him to let me go on the pitch before the match between Inter and Roma this weekend so I can give a collective hug to all the fans. That would be a nice gesture.'

Once he knew he was going, unsurprisingly, there was no shortage of options. As well as a concrete offer this week from Roma, who made a last-ditch call on Tuesday to attempt to stop him joining QPR, Tottenham and Arsenal were also in the frame. Arsenal decided they were happy with Wojciech Szczesny while Andre Villas-Boas decided against bringing in a player so associated with his rival Mourinho.

Welcome to QPR: Fernandes greets Cesar

Welcome to QPR: Fernandes greets Cesar

'Two weeks ago I found out QPR were interested,' he says. 'I don't watch much football on TV but when I found out I could be coming to QPR, I went to Google and YouTube to read about the club, the players and to see how many Brazilians there are in the squad. There's Fabio, of course, and Jose Bosingwa speaks Portuguese too. Now I know a little bit about them. I didn't read too much because I'm a bit lazy with reading but I'll learn more each day.'

Cesar is under no illusion about the
task that lies ahead as Mark Hughes' No 1. Watching Rangers' opening day
thrashing by Swansea sorted that out.

'I saw the first game. Wow! It was terrible for them and they had some
problems but these things happen in football. When I met the coach I
asked him what happened in the first game. But they drew away in the
second game (1-1 at Norwich) and that's a good result.'

First
up for Cesar – assuming that he is fit and chosen ahead of Robert Green
- is Saturday's trip to champions Manchester City.

'I hope to be the No 1, but I have to work hard. I have the ability but
I know the Premier League is hard. My first game could be against my
first coach in Europe. Roberto Mancini brought me to Inter. They have
done well but we have to believe we can beat them.'

Rangers
almost did last season in the final-day nailbiter which saw City win
3-2 to seize the title but a result against Carlos Tevez – 'he is so
good' – and the rest of Mancini's superstars will not be easy.

'It's going to be a lot more physical here,' he admitted. 'The referees don't give fouls easily. In Italy, it's different. Here, if you fall down, you just have to stand right back up and get on with the game. I know (Tottenham's) Heurelho Gomes very well; we went to the World Cup together. So I'm going to speak to him about playing here.

'I've played against Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham. I like Wayne Rooney a lot. He is so good – up there with the best in the world.'

Cesar should know. He's been there.

QPR: Loftus Road glamour

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Loftus Road glamour: Star names, big money and model fans

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UPDATED:

22:54 GMT, 28 August 2012

TWENTIES TALENT

1923: Even back in the Twenties, Queens Park Rangers were known for producing star players. They received a record transfer fee of 3,000 from Leicester City for striker Arthur Chandler in 1923. He went on to become Leicester's leading scorer with 273 goals – a record he still holds.

MARVEL MARSH

1966-1972: Rodney Marsh spearheaded the club's revival with a prolific 134 goals in 242 games. In 1967, his first full season, QPR were promoted from Division Three and won the League Cup – the first third-tier team to do so. A second successive promotion took them back to the top flight.

Flashing the cash: Stan Bowles

Flashing the cash: Stan Bowles

SEXTON'S STARS

1974-1977: Manager Dave Sexton led a star-studded side – including seven England internationals – to their highest top-flight finish of second in 1976, pipped to the title by Liverpool on the final day. The following season, their first in the UEFA Cup, they made the quarter-finals.

MODEL FANS

2007: Supermodel Naomi Campbell joined former boyfriend Flavio Briatore, then co-owner of the club, and brought her friend, it-girl Tamara Beckwith, to watch QPR play Norwich at Loftus Road.

Famous fans: Naomi Campbell, Flavio Briatore and Tamara Beckwith

Famous fans: Naomi Campbell, Flavio Briatore and Tamara Beckwith

STAN THE SHOWMAN

1972-1979: Stan Bowles was QPR's first six-figure signing when he joined from Carlisle for 112,000. He took them back to the top flight and was a key figure in the club's golden era. The colourful midfielder was a maverick and in his autobiography claims that he won a bet during a match against Sunderland in 1973 by firing the ball at the FA Cup, which was on display at Roker Park, and sending it flying.

FLYING FERDINAND

1987-1995: Dubbed 'Sir Les' by fans, free-scoring Les Ferdinand helped the club finish fifth in the first Premier League of 1992-93 and to three consecutive top 10 finishes after that. The England striker was eventually sold to Newcastle for 6million and QPR were relegated the following season.

Free scoring: 'Sir Les' Ferdinand

Free scoring: 'Sir Les' Ferdinand

Adel Taarabt signs new QPR deal

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Boost for QPR as Taarabt signs three-year deal at Loftus Road

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UPDATED:

15:59 GMT, 11 July 2012

Adel Taarabt has ended speculation over his QPR future by signing a new long-term contract at the club.

The 23-year-old joined the west Londoners from Tottenham in August 2010 following two successful loan spells and has long been linked with a move away from Loftus Road.

Paris St Germain seemed Taarabt's likely destination last summer but he remained with the west Londoners, who he has now signed a three-year contract extension with.

Come in No 10: Taarabt has signed a new contract with the Loftus Road club

Come in No 10: Taarabt has signed a new contract with the Loftus Road club

'I am very pleased to have signed this contract,' Taarabt told the club's official website.

'When I first arrived here I honestly thought it would be just for a short period but I love this club and the people here have really helped me and I am very happy to be here.

'I had a tough start to the season last year, but I worked hard and I have really enjoyed it under Mark Hughes.

'The club is getting bigger and bigger, with a new training ground and talk of a new stadium is very exciting.

Staying put: Taarabt had been linked with a move away from QPR

Staying put: Taarabt had been linked with a move away from QPR

'In the time I have been here, QPR's ambition has changed.

'Last year the aim was to stay in the Premier League. We achieved this and now we want to progress and improve.

'Nobody is speaking about what we can achieve but we really want to move up the Premier League.'

As well as signing a new deal, Taarabt has been handed the No 10 jersey at QPR – worn previously by the likes of Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh and Kevin Gallen.

The move, which will see the vacated No 7 seven shirt worn by new signing Park Ji-sung, has been welcomed by the Morocco international.

'This means a lot to me personally,' he said. 'I was happy with the “7″ but I know “10″ is very important at QPR. Special players like Bowles and Marsh have worn this.

'The club told me that the fans want me to have this shirt. So if this makes the fans happy too, it is even better for me.'

Taarabt credits Mark Hughes for his transformation and the QPR manager was quick to express his delight at the new deal.

'It is important that we keep good, young players at QPR because that is going to drive what we want to do and Adel is a big part of that,' he said.

'There is no question he can produce moments of skill that not many players can.'

London Broncos 22 Bradford 29: Michael Platt scored four tries

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London Broncos 22 Bradford 29: Four Platt tries see Bulls stun Broncos

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UPDATED:

15:39 GMT, 6 May 2012

Michael Platt crossed for four tries as Bradford came from behind to beat London at the Matchroom Stadium.

Platt claimed a double in either half as the Bulls erased an early 16-0 deficit to claim a deserved triumph.

The Broncos welcomed new signing Scott Wheeldon straight onto their replacements bench, but retained the same starting 13 who laboured to victory at Batley last weekend.

Hitman: Michael Plat scored four tries

Hitman: Michael Plat scored four tries

For the Bulls, Elliot Kear returned at full-back after recovering from a broken hand.

While the hosts had just two wins to their name at home this campaign, Bradford had notched four wins on their travels and came to the capital in confident mood.

But they were stung as the Londoners took the lead inside three minutes, Matt Cook bursting through two tackles to tee up full-back Michael Robertson to speed home.

The hosts doubled their lead minutes later, Cook himself rumbling over after Michael Witt had made an earlier break.

The Broncos really had their tails up, with the Bulls looking sluggish in attack and defence.

Things got even better for the Londoners on 10 minutes, Michael Channing diving over after Witt created the space.

Bradford, with former London stars Karl Pryce and Luke Gale in their ranks, needed inspiration and they got it on 18 minutes when the pair combined for the Bulls' first score, Pryce claiming Gale's kick to touch down.

No way through: Shane Rodney of London Broncos charges forward

No way through: Shane Rodney of London Broncos charges forward

Suddenly it was a much more even contest, with the next score looking as though it could be crucial.

It was the visitors who got it, Platt muscling over despite three would-be tacklers to reduce the deficit to one score.

The game swung to and fro after that, with both sides adding a further try before the interval.

Witt struck first for the home side after a break from Chris Bailey, but that was quickly cancelled out by Platt's second, as he showed great strength to wrestle his way over in the corner.

Moments after the restart the visitors hauled themselves level, Platt claiming his hat-trick when he squeezed over after a flowing move.

It really was anybody's game now, with Bradford asking most of the questions.

Defences had tightened after the half-time talks, and the first 15 minutes of the second half passed without any further scoring.

The Bulls really had the Broncos on the rack, though, with the Londoners twice coughing up possession close to their own line.

The visitors thought they had taken the lead when Gale burst through a gap, only for Robertson to produce a stunning last-ditch tackle to save the day.

In fact it was only strong defence that was keeping London in it, but Bradford finally took the lead for the first time on 62 minutes, Platt claiming his fourth with another similar score, struggling over the line after the ball was shipped along the backs.

The Bulls had London where they wanted them, and they boosted their lead by a further two points when Gale booted a penalty with ten minutes remaining.

Gale then added a late drop goal to seal the two points.

Manchester United director Maurice Watkins named interim Rugby Football League chairman replacing outgoing Richard Lewis

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United director Maurice Watkins named interim Rugby Football League chairman

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UPDATED:

14:51 GMT, 10 April 2012

Manchester United director Maurice Watkins will become interim chairman of the Rugby Football League when Richard Lewis leaves at the end of the month.

The long-serving Old Trafford board member, who is also one of the club's legal advisers, is already the senior non-executive director of the RFL and will hold the reins until a new chairman is appointed.

Lewis, a former Davis Cup player, is departing after ten years in the role to become the chief executive of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon.

Into the breach: Manchester United director Maurice Watkins

Into the breach: Manchester United director Maurice Watkins

Watkins paid tribute to the outgoing chairman.

He said: 'We are indebted to Richard for the huge contribution he has made to rugby league over the past 10 years and we wish him every success in his new role.

'I will be working with my board colleagues to identify the skills we require for a new chairman to take the game on to the next exciting stage of its development.

Out!: Richard Lewis is leaving the RFL to run Wimbledon

Out!: Richard Lewis is leaving the RFL to run Wimbledon

'At the same time we will take this opportunity to review the game's governance arrangements for the next era, in consultation with all our stakeholders.

'Whilst tough economic conditions are proving challenging for all sports clubs at present, we believe this is a great moment for someone to come in and help shape the future of a very successful sport.'

Lewis took over from Sir Rodney Walker in May 2002 with the RFL in 1.9million debt, partly due to a disastrous 2000 World Cup, and oversaw a swift improvement in their financial fortunes.

Rugby revival: Lewis hauled the RFL out of debt

Rugby revival: Lewis hauled the RFL out of debt

He also helped to unify the domestic game, bringing all the different sections under one roof, and raised the profile of the worldwide game in his role of RL International Federation vice-chairman and European Federation chairman.

The RFL has been nominated for the sports governing body of the year award for the last two years.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood, who joined the administration in 2007, said: 'It is my firm belief that history will record Richard's stewardship of rugby league as a golden decade for the sport where considerable progress was achieved across all fronts.

'He brought integrity, independence and credibility to everything he and the RFL did, and he leaves safe in the knowledge that the sport is undeniably in a far better condition than when he joined in 2002.'

Lewis, 57, said: 'I leave the RFL after 10 fulfilling years during which the sport has grown and prospered. I am extremely grateful to all the colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to work.

'Rugby league is a wonderful sport full of great people in both the professional and community games. I have enjoyed tremendous support during my tenure, from the board, colleagues at the RFL and throughout the sport in general.'

London Broncos 18 Catalan Dragons 36

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London Broncos 18 Catalan Dragons 36: Duport and Anderson doubles inspire win

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UPDATED:

22:16 GMT, 5 April 2012

Vincent Duport and Louis Anderson both crossed for two tries as the Catalan Dragons stormed to victory over the London Broncos in the capital.

Duport and Anderson struck once either side of the interval as the visitors claimed a deserved triumph.

Unsurprisingly the hosts went into the contest unchanged from their last outing, the 36-0 romp against Wakefield on Saturday. And the French side were also in good form, having destroyed Widnes at the weekend.

Touching down: Shane Rodney of London Broncos scores a try against Catalan Dragons at the Stoop

Touching down: Shane Rodney of London Broncos scores a try against Catalan Dragons at the Stoop

Historically clashes between the two sides have been close-fought, high-scoring affairs and the Dragons came mightily close to a try inside the first four minutes, Kieran Dixon somehow hauling Damien Blanch into touch as he looked to cross in the corner.

The first score was not long in coming though, the Catalans romping home when Leon Pryce started a stunning move that saw Anderson surge over.

It was the visitors who bossed the opening 15 minutes, claiming their second score when Duport profited after Pryce's kick unsettled the London defence. The Broncos were looking ragged, a far cry from their efforts in front of the cameras five days previously.

But as the half wore on the hosts finally woke from their slumber, only to find the Dragons defence in determined mood.

Going down Dan Sarginson of London Broncos is tackled by Damien Blanch of Catalan Dragons

Going down Dan Sarginson of London Broncos is tackled by Damien Blanch of Catalan Dragons

While the Broncos were lacking a cutting edge, the Catalans were looking dangerous at every opportunity, Shane Rodney snuffing out another assault when he scragged Scott Dureau.

Minutes before half-time though the home side were given a lifeline when Blanch knocked on near his own line, Rodney powering over to reduce the deficit from the resulting scrum.

The game was there for the taking for either side with just four points in it at the break, with the first score after the interval looking crucial.

And it was the Dragons who seized the initiative five minutes into the second half, Duport claiming his second score after the Broncos were penalised close to their own posts.

Going nowhere: Tony Clubb of London Broncos is brought down to the ground

Going nowhere: Tony Clubb of London Broncos is brought down to the ground

Just as in the first half the away side really had their tails up, and Anderson helped himself to his second try of the game moments later, finishing off Dureau's kick.

London's defence was non-existent, and the French side were close to securing the points when they grabbed their third try in the space of five minutes, Steve Menzies romping over from close range.

Dureau then burst over himself as the Dragons once again cut the men from the capital to ribbons.

The Broncos simply has no answer, with handling errors and poor decision-making costing them dearly.

Under pressure: Craig Gower of London Broncos looks to pass out of the tackle

Under pressure: Craig Gower of London Broncos looks to pass out of the tackle

To their credit the hosts did splutter back into life again after 63 minutes, Luke Dorn speeding through after Antonio Kaufusi was held just short.

And there was more cheer for the Londoners five minutes later, Michael Robertson barging through a handful of tackles to score.

Ian Henderson was then sin-binned after a late hit, but it was Pryce who was to have the final say, bursting over for a late try of his own.

Carling Cup final: History of Wembley upsets

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Hope for Cardiff against Liverpool Six of the biggest upsets in Wembley history

Cardiff face a tough test against Liverpool but an upset is not impossible. They are no strangers to Wembley and this is the fourth time in four years they have played there.

Liverpool, making their first appearance there in 16 years, have won the League Cup seven times since it started in 1960 – more than any other club. But over the years Wembley has hosted some special cup final upsets.

Welsh wizards: Fred Keenor and his Cardiff team-mates celebrate a stunning 1-0 win over the mighty Arsenal

Welsh wizards: Fred Keenor and his Cardiff team-mates celebrate a stunning 1-0 win over the mighty Arsenal

Welsh teams at Wembley

Welsh club sides have played at Wembley eight times.

Cardiff have featured in five of those with three FA Cup finals (two wins, one loss), an FA cup semi-final win and Championship playoff final loss.

Swansea have played in two finals at Wembley, winning the Football League Trophy and Championship playoff final.

And Bangor City played at Wembley in 1934, drawing 1-1 with Northwich Victoria in the FA Trophy Final and losing the replay at the Victoria Ground.

League Cup

1967: Queens Park Rangers 3-2 West Bromwich Albion

It was the first year the final was held at Wembley and the first year it would be decided by one match – and it lived up to the occasion. Division Three QPR were two down at half time against Division One West Brom after Clive Clark's double. But Roger Morgan and Rodney Marsh levelled and Mark Lazarus hit a shock winner with nine minutes to play.

1969: Swindon Town 3-1 Arsenal (aet)

Division Three Swindon were playing at Wembley for the first time and were massive underdogs against Division One Arsenal who lost in the final the previous year to Leeds. A first-half goal from Roger Smart put the Robins ahead and they held out until four minutes to go when Bobby Gould equalised, forcing extra time. Don Rogers became a Swindon hero when he hit two in extra time to win it.

Cupset: Swindon Town produced a stunning extra-time win over Arsenal in 1969

Cupset: Swindon Town produced a stunning extra-time win over Arsenal in 1969

Cardiff's Wembley record

1925: Cardiff 0-1 Sheffield United (FA Cup final)

1927: Cardiff 0-1 Arsenal (FA Cup final)

2008: Cardiff 1-0 Barnsley (FA Cup semi-final)

2008: Cardiff 0-1 Portsmouth (FA Cup final)

2011: Cardiff 2-3 Blackpool (Championship playoff final)

1991: Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Manchester United

Sheffield Wednesday were relegated from the top flight the previous season – the same year United won the FA Cup, making the Reds hot favourites. But with Ron Atkinson managing Wednesday against his former club they caused an upset and John Sheridan's goal was enough to win it.

FA Cup

1973: Sunderland 1-0 Leeds

Leeds were the FA Cup holders, had been in the final in three of the previous four season and Sunderland were third from bottom in the Second Division. But Ian Porterfield's goal and a solid defence soaking up Leeds pressure meant the underdogs became the first side outside the top flight to win the cup in forty years.

Up for the cup: West Ham's captain Billy Bonds proudly holds aloft the 1980 FA Cup

Up for the cup: West Ham's captain Billy Bonds proudly holds aloft the 1980 FA Cup

1980: West Ham 1-0 Arsenal

Division Two West Ham shocked everyone by making it to the final and FA Cup holders Arsenal, who finished fourth in the top-flight that season, were expected to win. Trevor Brooking popped up with a header in the 13th minute and the goal decided the tie. At 17 years and 256 days old West Ham midfielder Paul Allen remains the youngest player ever to win in an FA Cup final.

1988: Wimbledon 1-0 Liverpool

Wimbledon may have finished seventh in Division One that year but they had never won a trophy and Liverpool had just been crowned league champions so were heavy favourites. Liverpool dominated the game, Peter Beardsley had a goal disallowed and Dave Beasant became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final when he kept out John Aldridge's effort. Lawrie Sanchez scored Wimbledon's winner on 37 minutes.