Júlio Baptista: “My Aim Is To Stay In Spain”

On cloud nine after two magical seasons at Sevilla football club, Júlio Baptista is one of the most sought-after players in Europe. The utilitarian player has widened his sphere of influence from the purely defensive midfield days at São Paulo FC, now able to act in virtually any position from centre-half upfield. Recent attempts by the Gunners to bring Baptista to Highbury have elevated his cache to the dizzying heights of $25 million. Aaron Marcus brings Goal.com readers the player’s latest revelations about his future... July has been a busy month for the homonymous Júlio, listening or reading a flurry of reports that place him in a whole host of Europe’s top clubs. Recently he broke his cautious silence over his 2005-6 destination, affirming, amongst other things that he’s more likely to stay in Spain with the World Cup 2006 only a season away. Regarding his current boom, ‘La Bestia’ underlined that “It’s very important for my career that my name is strong in the market, and that various clubs want to sign me.” When asked to reveal the transfer interest, Júlio was frank. “[The only firm offers have come] from Tottenham and Arsenal, but I’ve heard that Chelsea, Man U, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are interested too.” This doesn’t, however, presage a definite move away from the capital of Andalucía. “I’ll make up my mind [about staying at Sevilla] by the end of August. There’s still a real chance that I’ll fulfil my contract [ending in June 2006] as I’m aiming to get double nationality, and for that I need to stay at least one more year working in Spain. Whoever has a European passport is much more valuable in today’s market.” Regarding the two-pronged advances of David Dein and Arsene Wenger, ‘La Bestia’ all but killed off Arsenal hopes of bagging the player this coming season, although the possibility of a London move after his contract expires and the WC has finished remain. “Arsenal is one of the options I’m considering, but my aim is to remain in Spain. I’m used to the style of football here, as well as the lifestyle. Moving countries is a complicated thing because I’ve got to gamble that I can adapt to another league quickly.” As to mooted contacts with the Gunner’s Coach, Baptista confirmed a meeting. “I met him [Arsene Wenger] in Brazil during my vacations. I was in São Paulo when my manager [Juan Figger; the self-same agent embroiled in the Robinho saga] called me up to meet someone. That someone was Wenger. It was a brief meeting, but there was enough time for him to explain what he’d expect from me playing in his team.” The lure of joining either Ronaldinho at Barcelona or Ronaldo at Madrid clearly appeals more than a risky swap from ‘La Liga’ to the Premier. “If I ended up in one of Spain’s great teams, I’ve got no doubt that the gates [for the World Cup 2006] would swing open more easily for me to be called-up. During the Libertadores final second leg I bumped into Parreira at Morumbi, but I didn’t have a chance to ask him for his opinion on the subject.” All this prevarication over his final destination has annoyed a sector of Sevilla fans, although Júlio paid little heed to the recent protests. “I think it was normal [that Sevilla fans booed me in the pre-season friendly against Pilas] but that didn’t get to me in the slightest. I just tried to play that little bit better and ended up scoring twice. They had no option but to shut up.” Aware of the beastly quantities being laid out on Sevilla president José María del Nido’s desk, ‘La Bestia’ blushed slightly. “I don’t know [how much I’m worth], but if they’re offering in the vicinity of 20 million Euros, it must mean that I’m doing my job well.” Quite possibly the understatement of the year, but we’ll all have to wait a little longer before finding out who’s lucky enough to count on Júlio Baptista next season.