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In the English Premier League, a London club finished in fourth place and rejected the possibility of a loan agreement with Brazilian Julio Baptista long term, meaning that the goalkeeper will have to return to the Madrid team in Spain.
"Arsenal told me they couldn't buy me, so I can only return to Real Madrid," the Brazilian legionnaire told the Spanish newspaper "Marca".
The 25-year-old footballer managed to score 10 goals in a total of 35 season matches, but only scored three times in the English Premier League in 24 games.
J. Baptista started his career in 2000 in his home country's team. After three years, he was attracted by a Spanish club, and in July 2005 he joined the "royal" club for around 20 million euros.
Last summer, Brazilian J. Baptista found himself in London as part of an exchange deal between Arsenal and Real just before the transfer window closed, while his place in the Spanish capital's team was taken by Jose Antonio Reyes. With three rounds left in the Spanish Primera Liga, the future of the Spanish J.A. Reyes is still undecided.
Playing in England, Brazilian J. Baptista shone the most in the League Cup tournament, scoring four goals in a 6-3 win for the Gunners. Additionally, Baptista added another goal in the UEFA Champions League group stage match against a German club.
"I enjoyed my season at Arsenal in England," the striker adds. "I adapted well. At first, I didn't play many games, but I ended the season more successfully."
"The first year was very tough. The English Premier League is very strong - there is fierce competition between powerful clubs. and are very strong teams, and it is extremely difficult to play against them," said the Brazilian.
