Former Brazil, Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Julio Baptista announces retirement from football
- Julio Baptista announced his retirement with a post on his Twitter account
- The 37-year-old Baptista said ‘it is time to step aside… I start a new life’
- Baptista won La Liga in 2008 during his time as a Real Madrid player
Former Brazil midfielder Julio Baptista has announced that he is retiring from football.
The 37-year-old Baptista, who won two Copa America titles and also played with Real Madrid and Arsenal, has been struggling with injuries.
Writing on Twitter, Baptista said it was time to start a new life.
Former Brazil midfielder Julio Baptista has announced that he is retiring from football
‘After more than 20 years in the elite of football it is time to step aside and announce that I have decided to finish my career as a player,’ he wrote.
‘I start a new life, and I want to show my gratitude to all who have made it possible for me to fulfil my dream. Thank you all.’
The Brazilian started his career at Sao Paulo in 2000. Besides Madrid and Arsenal, he also played at Sevilla, Roma, Malaga and Cluj.
He won the Spanish league title with Madrid in 2008.
Internationally, Baptista won the Copa America in 2004 and 2007 and the Confederations Cup in 2005 and 2009.
