The likelihood of Julio
Baptista remaining at Arsenal on a long-term basis looks to be in
doubt after the Brazilian's impassioned criticism of the English
game.
Baptista has largely failed to impress in North London since
joining on loan from Real Madrid - aside from a four-goal haul in a
Carling Cup game at Anfield - and Arsene Wenger is expected to make
a decision over a permanent move for the forward at the end of the
month.
Whilst the man nicknamed 'The Beast' has refused to rule out
staying at Emirates Stadium, he has savaged the English weather and
criticised the quality of the Premiership after struggling to adapt
since his summer move.
"The teams from the north of England are terrible," said Baptista
in the newspaper.
"When we play them I have counted their centre-backs booting up to
30 long balls upfield per game.
"The weather over here is killing me. We'll get one day of sunshine
for every 30 days of rain, and it is driving me to despair.
"My girlfriend and my mother are frightened about not seeing the
sun in England. They miss being in Madrid.
"Premiership football is very hard. I am Brazilian and I enjoy
playing the ball, making clever touches and taking bicycle kicks.
Arsene Wenger does not forbid me from doing them, but the game is
so fast I don't even have time to think about them.
"The moment you stop to think, someone has taken the ball off you
and knocked you to the ground. Over here they value a corner kick
more than a fancy flick.
"I am lucky to be with Arsenal, as they are a team that likes to
play proper football."
Baptista's future is also dependent on whether Real Madrid opt to
sign Jose Antonio Reyes on a permanent basis, and the Brazilian
admits that he is currently in the dark over where he will be
playing his football next season.
"I could stay at Arsenal, but right now I can't see myself anywhere
for definite," Baptista added.
"But it's clear in my mind that I would tackle my second chance
with Real with far more strength and maturity than I did in my
first spell."
