Julio Baptista’s time at Arsenal only lasted 12 months, but it was a memorable stint.
The Brazilian, who played the 2006-07 season for the Gunners, announced his retirement on Thursday at the age of 37. The former Brazil international only managed 10 goals with Arsenal, but they came in bunches.
Baptista memorably scored four goals against Liverpool in the League Cup quarterfinal, as Arsenal finished with a 6-3 win. Baptista even missed a penalty kick that game.
Después de más de 20 años en la élite del fútbol es momento de dar un paso a un lado y anunciar que he decidido finalizar mi carrera como jugador. Comienzo una nueva vida, y quiero mostrar mi agradecimiento a todos los que han hecho posible que cumpliera mi sueño. Gracias a todos pic.twitter.com/SkQQPlOk8s
— Júlio Baptista (@J_Baptista81) May 23, 2019
Baptista cemented his legacy later in the season with a brace in the FA Cup against rival Tottenham.
Baptista, clearly an immensely talented player, suffered from being a good, but not great player. He seemed to have no perfect position other than the No. 10, and most teams he played for had better players in that position. It forces him to play along the wings, deeper in midfield or as a striker during the prime of his career.
In the end, injuries beset his career, especially a short spell at Orlando City in MLS.
