Baptista rescinds Malaga contract

Malaga have confirmed that they have cancelled Julio Baptista’s contract by mutual consent, freeing him to join Cruzeiro.

The Brazilian, who has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons on the books at La Rosaleda, was strongly linked with a return to his homeland yesterday, with Cruzeiro understood to have agreed a deal.

Malaga have today confirmed that they have agreed to cancel the final year of the player’s contract by mutual consent and that the decision was reached before links with Cruzeiro intensified.

It follows reports earlier last week that they had offered Baptista an extension, if he were to accept a 60 per cent pay-cut.

“Julio César Baptista and Málaga Club de Fútbol reached an amicable agreement on Friday 19th July to terminate the striker’s contract,” read Malaga’s official statement released today.

“The Club and the player came to an understanding following his last match against German side, Kaller SC, after two and a half years with the Martiricos outfit.

“Málaga CF would like to wish the Brazilian the best of luck for the future and his new career with Brazil’s Cruzeiro EC. Baptista will hold a press conference regarding his departure at La Rosaleda’s press room tomorrow.”

Quotes from general manager Vicente Casado were also carried in the statement and offered comment on rumours that Baptista was part of a group of current and former players to have issued an official complaint to the Players’ Association over unpaid wages from Malaga.

“It was all a misunderstanding. Julio Baptista has always defended the Blue and Whites during his two and a half years here, and during recent negotiations has always had the utmost respect for Málaga CF and wishes the Club all the very best.”

Tags AFE Baptista Casado Cruzeiro
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