Fernando Hierro’s statements.
“Julio (Baptista) is an elite sportsman, a magnificent professional who’s been unlucky for having had an ongoing injury. His contribution has been exemplary and the only thing we wish is for his speedy recovery, and for him to keep his spirits up. I’ve had injuries also and I know it affects the mind and the body. He got this tear in the soleus as he began his process out on the pitch, and it’s got nothing to do with the other injury. We’ve been very on top of, and monitoring closely, his recovery. The Club is backing the Medical Servics and we’re not looking to attribute blame.”
“There have been some comments and we reject that opinion. Second and third opinions were sought and we have to thank the Medical Services for their humility, and what we hope for is that Julio returns as soon as possible. We’re happy with the Medical Services and we assume that it’s a new injury from his recovery phase. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions but we don’t share them.”
“Julio is a professional ’10 out of 10’, capable of working eight, nine or 10 hours a day. He was looking forward to returning as soon as possible. He will now do this last phase of his recovery in Brazil. Hehas complete faith in the specialists, they’ve known him since he was a boy and we wish him all the best.
“I personally told him to go and relax and that he has the full backing of the Club and the Medical Services. In a couple of weeks we’ll go and visit him in Brazil; we want him to feel loved by his Club. We’re trying to free him of all the pressure, knowing his personality, and take away all the stress so he’s as relaxed as possible. We’re looking after the player because what we is for Julio to recuperate physically and mentally.”
“The important thing is that Julio knows that the Club and the Medical Services are on his side. He took the decision to go to Brazil and we have the example of when he went there last year. I’m optimistic, without putting any date to it. I’m positive but without putting on any pressure.