Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar joins Benfica from QPR after signing 2-year deal

LISBON, Portugal – Benfica announced Tuesday that it has signed Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar from English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers on a two-year deal.

The 34-year-old Cesar had been on loan to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer since February after playing only occasionally under Rangers coach Harry Redknapp.

Cesar, who conceded nine goals in seven matches with Toronto, returned to Rangers on July 25.

He played in all of Brazil’s World Cup matches and made two vital saves during a penalty shootout win against Chile in the second round.

He joined the London club from Inter Milan on a four-year deal in 2012. The remaining two years of his contract were cancelled by mutual consent.

Rangers earned its return to the Premier League in May, a year after being relegated.

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