Toronto FC signs Brazilian Julio Cesar

Sporting Kansas City's Seth Sinovic, left, Aurelien Collin and Julio Cesar, right, celebrate a goal by Teal Bunbury during the second half of the first game in the Eastern Conference semifinal MLS soccer playoff series against the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

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The Canadian Press
Published Tuesday, January 15, 2013 3:36PM EST

TORONTO - Toronto FC has confirmed the signing of Brazilian veteran Julio Cesar.

The 34-year-old holding midfielder, who can also play in defence, spent the last two seasons with Sporting Kansas City before being waived in November.

"It's important that Toronto FC becomes a more difficult team to play against this year," Toronto president and GM Kevin Payne said in a statement Tuesday. "Julio Cesar will be an important part of the backbone of our team in the middle of the field.

"He's a tough experienced, committed player who was a big part of Sporting Kansas City's success over the past two years, and we're very pleased he will be a part of TFC this season."

Cesar, who played 27 games for Kansas City in each of the last two seasons, made a hefty US$255,750 in 2012.

Kansas City had the league's stingiest defence last season, yielding just 27 goals. Toronto was worst in MLS with 62 goals conceded.