Arsenal are not going to take up the option to turn Julio Baptista's loan deal from Real Madrid into a permanent move, the Brazilian attacking midfielder has said.


"Arsenal have told me they are not able to buy me and so all I can do is return to Real Madrid," Baptista told sports daily Marca on Thursday, in a telephone interview from New York.


The 25-year-old international moved to London last August in a one-year loan swap, with Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes moving in the opposite direction.


The deal included an option for the clubs to buy the respective players at the end of the season but neither man has consistently impressed during the loan period.


"I have enjoyed my season with Arsenal and in England. I adapted well. I didn't play much at first but finished much better. The first year is very difficult," Baptista said.


"The English league is very strong and very competitive with great teams. Manchester United and Chelsea are very strong and it is difficult to compete against their great squads."


In Baptista's absence, Real have come from behind to grab first place in the Primera Liga and with three games left are on course for their first major trophy in four seasons.


"I speak a lot with Robinho and Roberto Carlos and I have wished them all the best for the league. If I am honest I am a little jealous I can't be with them playing for the title," he said.


"I am keen to know what happens in the last three games and hope they go on to win."


Baptista joined Real from Sevilla two years ago in a deal worth $24.2 million (12.2 million pounds) but failed to make it into coach Fabio Capello's plans when he took over last July.

Must be a slow news day because according to The Sun, (so its probably Bollocks), Chelsea are going to make a summer swoop for Ashley Cole. I am thinking on the basis that they have not been having any meetings in Hotels in central London while Cole has been injured that its unlikely Chelsea would want to buy him now.

They signed Del Horno only last summer, who can hardly be called a flop, so why would they now go and sign Cole? Add to that the fact that Chelsea blamed Cole for the whole tapping up affair and its hardly a deal made in heaven, is it? I think if he goes anywhere it will be to the Merengues of Madrid to replace that old cunt Roberto Carlos, but right now I would like to see him back playing for us and SOON.

Anyone thinking that this tie was over, know we are still in a game after this first half. Reyes had the best chance hitting the cross bar just before half time, but Real have also been close, and It would be a surprise not to see goals in the 2nd half, I would not like to call the outcome on this game...though I will take 0-0 now !.




Come on Gooners

.


Real Madrid 0 v 1 Arsenal


A world class individual goal from Thierry Henry gave Arsenal a famous victory tonight in The Bernabeu. Team performance was excellent, Eboue for me at right back was outstanding, such a young player and he looked like he played there every week.
This was a performance we prayed so hard for and we were not let down. Freddie worked his arse off in midfield and was everywhere. We must remind ourselves that the job is not done, but this was a special night for Gooners the world over.


That Goal

The winning goal was Henry at his very best. Fabregas passed to him in the centre circle he, held off Ronaldo and skipped past Alvaro Mejia and Guti before racing into the area and muscling past Sergio Ramos. The shot crossed Casillas and into the far corner of the net.
It was a goal with everything - power, strengh and a top finish. The biggest stage had the master entertainer. Lets hope we can go on from this and use it a springboard for the season.

Tonight we were better than a poor Madrid, and they were poor, but this should give confidence to our players that they can finish the job at Highbury.


More comment tomorrow. But for now... thats all folks

Arsenal performing well in the first half, with argubly the better chances to score falling to The Gooners. Reyes in the first 2 minutes was through and had his shot saved, also Henry should have done better with a header from less than 6 yards.
Madrid's best chance fell to David Beckham after a mix up in the Arsenal defence, but his effort was blocked by Lehmann, another fine save from the Big German Mentalist. Right time for half time refreshment...



Come on Gooners !