‘The Beast’ leaves Malaga by mutual consent.
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Malaga striker Julio Baptista has left the club having reached an agreement to rescind his contract there and now looks set to join Cruzeiro back in his homeland, Sky Sports reports.
The 31-year-old former Arsenal man has been with the Spanish outfit for the past two-and-a-half years where he bagged 14 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions, but a string of serious injuries managed to curtail his time with the side.
He had started life in Malaga brilliantly, scoring nine times in his first eleven games for the club following his move from Italian side Roma during the 2010/11 January transfer window. However, his second season was a dud as he made just four appearances, but he returned to action during the second half of last season.
A statement on Malaga’s website today read: “Julio Cesar Baptista and Malaga reached an amicable agreement on Friday 19th July to terminate the striker’s contract. The club and the player came to an understanding following his last match against German side, Kaller SC.
“Malaga would like to wish the Brazilian the best of luck for the future and his new career with Brazil’s Cruzeiro.”
The Brazilian international has also taken in spells with Real Madrid, Sevilla and Sao Paulo, his hometown club.