Baptista ready to commit future to Gunners
Julio Baptista is yet to play for Arsenal but following his appearance in Brazil’s victory over Argentina in the Gunners’ Emirates stadium he said he would happily extend his stay in north London.
Baptista came off the bench to play the last 18 minutes of Brazil’s 3-0 win over Argentina on Sunday, and got a huge reception from the home support.
Having joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Real Madrid in exchange for Jose Antonio Reyes on Friday, Baptista is now hoping for a similar introduction to the Premiership.
“I was very happy to be so welcomed in my home ground,” Baptista said through an interpreter. “I hope to get as big a welcome in the league. I am very confident I can be a big addition for the team.”
In joining Arsenal, Baptista has moved to a club which beat Real in a superb European campaign last season, something he now hopes to help them repeat.
“It’s a traditional club which is very well known,” Baptista added. “They reached the Champions League final last season and I hope this year we can continue and reach the Champions League final again.”
In bringing Baptista to the club, Arsene Wenger has secured a player he has long coveted and was close to signing last summer.
“I am very humbled that Arsene Wenger is so interested in me. I would be very happy to stay here,” Baptista said.
Brazil coach Dunga, who will no doubt be happy if Baptista can play a more significant role for Arsenal than he did in Madrid, backed the versatile player to make a big impact.
“Technically, he brings the quality of a Brazilian player but he also brings his personality – he is very strong, very strong-willed – he is a winner,” Dunga said.
“Also, he can play in three different positions – he can defend, he can attack and he can score goals and this is very important.”
Arsenal’s other Brazilian, Gilberto Silva, has promised to help Baptista settle in London as he himself was helped by former team-mate Edu, but he does not expect to share midfield duties with the 24-year-old.
“I don’t know, but I think he will play more in attack,” Gilberto said. “He’s a very, very good player. I think he will bring a lot of experience even though he is only a young player. He has experience with both his club and the national team.”
Source:Soccer News
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