Arsenal-bound striker Julio Baptista was recalled by coach Carlos Dunga to represent Brazil in Copa America, replacing Ze Roberto who decided to quit the national team. The 32-year-old winger called it quits on his international career, just two days after being selected in Dunga's 23-man squad. "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."
Baptista After being almost certain of rejoining Bayern Munich, Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness stated earlier that Ze Roberto's arrival at Allianz Arena could be affected by his duties for the Selecao throughout the season. Consequently, the Santos winger preferred the Bayern move over playing for Brazil, after he said last Friday that he insists to return to Europe for personal reasons. Ze Roberto, who won 84 caps for Brazil, had a superb season with Santos, leading them to the Copa Libertadores semi-finals. However, his replacement Baptista did not have the best of seasons at Arsenal, where he struggled to find a regular first team place. Copa America will be hosted by Venezuela from June 26th until July 15th.
