News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » Sports » Baptista replaces Ze Roberto in Brazil squad

Baptista replaces Ze Roberto in Brazil squad

June 12, 2007 16:34 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Brazil have added Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista to their Copa America squad after midfielder Ze Roberto quit international football.

Baptista, who was unable to secure a regular first-team place in his season on loan at Arsenal, has not played for his country since the 2-0 win over Wales in a friendly last September.

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Ze Roberto pulled out of the squad last Friday, two days after being recalled for the first time since the 2006 World Cup.

"After much personal meditation, I reached the conclusion that, at the age of 32, I cannot serve the Brazilian national team with the quality required in the current circumstances," he wrote in a letter to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

"Similarly, I will not be as useful to the group as I was on previous occasions."

Ze Roberto has been in outstanding form for his club Santos, leading them to the semi-finals of the South American Libertadores Cup, where they last over two legs to fellow Brazilians Gremio.

Venezuela host this year's Copa America from June 26-July 15.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25