Baptista ready to turn tables on Arsenal

AS Roma attacking midfielder Júlio Baptista was in the Talk Football chatroom last Friday answering uefa.com users' questions. The 27-year-old spoke about last week's UEFA Champions League return to Arsenal FC, where he spent a season on loan two years ago, and how Roma will aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the second leg. The Brazilian international also discussed his country's chances of winning a sixth FIFA World Cup next year, as well as comparing the three European leagues he has played in.

adi: What was it like being back at Arsenal?

Júlio Baptista: I have good memories of Arsenal and it's always good to be back where I have always been well treated. It was a great experience for me. It's a shame Roma did not play a bit better. By the way, I have never said I disliked England. London is a great city and what I said in an interview is that the weather was better in Spain – only that.

fred1: How important is Francesco Totti for Roma?

Baptista: Francesco is a very important player on and off the pitch for his skill and his dedication to the club. It's amazing to play alongside him.

Kristofferjl: You have scored some amazing goals this season for Roma. Which goal do you think was the best?

Baptista: My favourite goal this season was against Torino – a scissor-kick. As a matter of fact, I have scored similar ones for both Real Madrid and Brazil!

Han08: Did Luciano Spalletti seek your advice on Arsenal before the game in London?

Baptista: Spalletti asked a few questions about formations, but it was much more informal than it sounds. I just told him some stuff I knew from my time at Arsenal. I told him what a lot of people already know – that under Arsène Wenger, Arsenal love to pass the ball around.

Bulldog: Roma have always struggled against English opponents and you showed it again at Arsenal. Why do you think this is?

Baptista: Roma had problems in the first half but we got better after David Pizarro came on. It's a shame we were a bit tired after chasing the ball so much but that's what happens.

RobMilan: Brazil recently won a friendly 2-0 against Italy. Do you think your national team has a good chance of winning a sixth FIFA World Cup next year, or do Italy have enough to retain the title?

Baptista: Brazil nowadays are a strong side with great players and we all hope we won't peak too early. We need to be ready for next year. Of course, we need to win matches, but we shouldn't read too much into a friendly. And I also believe Italy will be much better next year. They have a great team, although maybe not as good technically as Brazil.

ms: The Roma team had a number of absentees in the first-leg loss against Arsenal. Who do you think the team missed most and why?

Baptista: We had several players missing, but I reckon Juan was a big loss. He and Philippe Mexès form a very strong partnership and we feel much more secure when he's on the pitch. I hope he'll be back for the second leg.

Ash: How does the training differ in Italy, Spain and England?

Baptista: In Italy the training sessions are longer, sometimes half an hour more. During my first week at Roma I remember that my whole body was aching!

liverpool#1fan: Do you think you will beat Arsenal at home after losing the first game by one goal? And also, what do you think of Liverpool?

Baptista: For the second leg against Arsenal, the important thing is to keep calm and try to score. We have been quite prolific at home, so we just need to keep on doing our job. Nothing is decided. I reckon only Sporting [Clube de Portugal] fans can feel out of the competition now. Liverpool are a traditional side in the Champions League and it's no surprise to see them going far in this competition. I knew they could pull off that result in Madrid, even with [Steven] Gerrard on the bench. They are tactically quite sound.

Alex: Which league is the hardest to play in – Spanish or Italian?

Baptista: Serie A is harder than the Liga. It is more physical and tactical than in Spain, but it is exciting and I reckon some people are mistaken when they label Italian football as defensive.

HugoGalindro: How are you adapting to life in Rome? Is it much different to Madrid?

Baptista: Rome is a lovely city. I don't see much difference to it in relation to Madrid. I haven't had much time to look around, but I love the weather here.

teddy: What was it like playing for Madrid? Did you have fun with them?

Baptista: I won the league with Madrid and it was unfortunate I couldn't win more. It's a great club and I have very good memories. It was an honour playing for them.