One of the great entertainers, Rogerio Ceni, retires

He was nearly impossible not to love as he scored 131 goals over 1,256 games all as Sao Paulo's goalkeeper. It wasn't just goals, he produced incredible saves (as Liverpool fans would know) and humiliated strikers with his dribbling. Almost the last of a dying breed of goalkeepers who were brave, and/or crazy, enough to entertain by playing with pure joy.

Sao Paulo v Bahia - Brasileirao Series A 2014

Rogerio Ceni of Sao Paulo scores their first goal during the match between Sao Paulo and Bahia for the Brazilian Series A 2014 at Morumbi stadium on October 18, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Source: Getty Images

Today he was meant to play his final match with Sao Paulo, but missed it due to injury. So here are some great memories of an incredible goalkeeper.

The goals

The saves

Humiliating strikers who pressed him

It didn't always go to plan though

But he's still a world champion

Ceni
FIFA Club World Championships Final: Liverpool v Sao Paulo
Ronaldinho, who played in Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning squad with Ceni, wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations for your career and your trajectory. You are an example of an athlete and person. Good luck in this new phase."

Enjoy retirement, obrigado.


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By Nick Stoll


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