'I'll stop at the end of the same year", asserts five-time world champion goalkeeper, Rogerio Ceni

04/04/2014 - 09h59

The 41 year-old São Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni stated yesterday that he would not prolong his career. He confirmed that he will only play until the end of the season, and will then retire.

The player had previously announced his retirement for December of last year, but after having participated in the campaign to deliver the team from relegation in the Brazilian Championship decided to renew his contract.

In 2002, the goalie won the World Cup with Brazil as a back-up for Marcos.

"This time I'll stop at the end of the year. It will be my last year as a professional athlete," said the goalkeeper who admitted an emotional tiredness last season.

São Paulo was not in any tournament championship in 2013, fell in the Libertadores after being thrashed by Atlético-MG at Morumbi, and lost the Recopa Sul-Americana to Corinthians. Ceni also had problems with Adalberto Baptista, ex-director of football for São Paulo, who he publicly criticized.

"Last year was a more psychologically stressful year than when I started my career and when I didn't even know if I had enough money to eat. The emotional side in 2013 was very heavy," the goalkeeper stated.

Ceni also talked about his current situation. The goalkeeper admitted concern over the future of the Morumbi team after their elimination in the quarterfinals of the Championship by Penapolense.

"What we're doing is not enough to fight for a title. We must evolve. We are lagging behind other teams. We are unable to pressure scores, play like the others. We are heavily debted", he added.