Arsenal loan forms backdrop to Endrick warning | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid forward reflects on difficult loan spell in north London and urges patience for rising star

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Julio Baptista seems to regret leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal on loan in 2006, using the experience to warn Brazilian teenager Endrick against making a similar move too soon.

Baptista arrived at Arsenal as part of a season-long swap deal that saw José Antonio Reyes join Madrid.

Though he scored 10 goals in 35 appearances for Arsène Wenger’s side, including four in a single League Cup match against Liverpool at Anfield, he struggled to adapt to English football and never became a regular starter in the Premier League.

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Speaking to Marca, Baptista said young players should be cautious about leaving Madrid on loan, even if opportunities seem limited.

“Leaving has its risks, right? A move might not work out and you’re also leaving space for others to come in,” Baptista said.

Instead, he advised Endrick to remain patient and settle into life at the Bernabéu.

“I think he should have patience; he is at Madrid. The moment he links up some games and starts to make things feel more natural, everything else will begin to flow.”

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Baptista reflected on the pressure that comes with playing for Madrid, recalling a time when the team was winning 4-0 but still jeered by their home crowd after a few quiet minutes.

“Madrid has always been a very demanding club and I don’t think that kind of pressure exists anywhere else. It’s a very demanding fanbase, but they’re not unfair. They know when the team is working hard and giving everything.”

His message to Endrick was clear: stay at Madrid, learn quickly, and compete for your place in the first team.

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“Next year, he should already be better adapted and things should feel more settled. When it comes to games, everything will depend on how much he plays.”

Now 43, Baptista retired from playing in 2019 after a few months without a club following his release from CFR Clug.