Baptista not staying
Arsenal have decided that they will not sign Brazilian striker Julio Baptista on a permanent deal at the Emirates.
Baptista agreed a season-long loan with Arsenal last summer in exchange with unsettled José Antonio Reyes moving to Real Madrid.
Manager Arsène Wenger travelled to Spain to discuss the future of both players and has revealed that he will not sign Baptista.
Baptista said: "Arsenal have told me they are not able to buy me and so all I can do is return to Real Madrid."
Given chances and opportunities with the key strikers out with injuries, Baptista failed to break into the Gunners side. However he insisted that if he were given more chance to stay with the Gunners, he may improve and admits that he will be sad to leave.
He added: "I have enjoyed my first season with Arsenal and in England.
"I adapted well. I didn't play much at first but finished much better. The first year is very difficult.
"The English league is very strong and very competitive with great teams. Manchester United and Chelsea are very strong and it is difficult to compete against their great squads."
Real has a chance to win the La Liga title with three games left in the absence of Baptista for their first major trophy in four seasons.
The Brazilian added: "I speak a lot with Robinho and Roberto Carlos and I have wished them all the best for the league. If I am honest I am a little jealous I can't be with them playing for the title.
"I am keen to know what happens in the last three games and hope they go on to win."
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User Comments
grandpa
Posted on 26 May, 2007 at 12:32 PM - Reply
wad a waste... he was adapting so well to english style of soccer, even managing to miss a penalty! roll eyes
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Arsenal have told me they are not able to buy me and so all I can do is return to Real Madrid.
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