Julio Baptista

[Red Chilli]

What the hell has happened to this guy? In the summer of 2005 whilst he was at Sevilla he was lauded as a world beater. A big physical presence with a good touch and a keen eye for goals. I remember hoping that we would sign him at the time especially when it looked like Gerrard was off.
He ended up going to Real Madrid that Summer for a whopping fee and proceeded to do absolutely nothing of note in a season leading up to a world cup-very strange.
So he came to Arsenal on loan this summer in exchange for Reyes, a player I thought was just finding his feet in the premiership. Since he arrived I haven't even heard his name mentioned in atch reports though I understand he has made his debut at some point.
He seemed to be made for the premiership but the last 2 seasons for him have been a nightmare. Is he carrying a long term injury a la Harry Kewell or something? Anyone know what's going on?

(I only ask because I picked him for my fantasy football team)

[Parm]

dunno mate, people were saying he was a monster of a footabller and that he'd tear up defences. Maybe he was just a one season wonder at Sevilla? who know's, maybe just unlucky with injuries?

[dww]

When he came Wenger said he wasn't fit enough so consequently he has only played bit parts. He injured his ankle on international duty and since then has had a series of niggles, last I heard he had headed back to Brazil to recouperate (knee injury I think).

I can't see Arsenal making the move permanent.