baptista seeks chances

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Baptista has no plans to leave Roma, claims agent

November 10, 2009
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Julio Baptista is unlikely to leave Roma during the January transfer window despite limited playing time, according to his agent.

The former Arsenal striker has been linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico since the summer.

"Those are decisions that have to be made by Roma,'' said Baptista's agent, Herminio Menendez. "I don't know if he figures in the project of the club.

"What I can say is that he is likely to remain at Roma in January and that Julio wants to remain here. Will he leave at the end of the season? Anything can happen but there's still time until June.''

The Brazil forward scored nine goals in 27 league appearances for the Giallorossi last season, but he has struggled in his second campaign in Rome and has yet to find the back of the net after five Serie A appearances.

"He has not been given much playing time at the start of the season because he was injured,'' said Menendez. "But he has recovered and now I don't know why he is not playing. This is down to the coach.''

Baptista, 28, is under contract with Roma until June 2012.

Meanwhile, Roma president Rosella Sensi is willing to consider offers to sell the Serie A outfit provided the potential investors have the club's best interests at heart.

The three-time Italian champions have long been the subject of interest from a number of potential suitors.

Billionaire financier George Soros walked away from talks last year while the club denied this summer they had agreed to sell around 67% of the shares to a Swiss consortium for 201million euros.

"We are always available and ready to listen to those who present a serious project and who have the intention to do well for Roma," Sensi told Guerin Sportivo. "So far, those things have not happened."

Roma fans demanded fresh investment after the team finished sixth last season, missing out on qualification for the Champions League, and were excited about the possible takeover.

"It's incredible how much weight has been given to unfounded rumours, even after we openly denied them," Sensi said. "Roma fans are fantastic but they just have to focus on supporting the team without giving importance to speculation. A football team needs a united atmosphere to bring out its best.''