Soccer-Romanian champions Cluj terminate Baptista's contract

Former Brazil striker Julio Baptista left CFR Cluj by mutual consent on Tuesday, seven months after joining the Romanian champions in a bid to resurrect his career. The 37-year-old, who has played for Real Madrid, Arsenal and AS Rome, failed to impress at Cluj despite being one of the highest earners in the Romanian league.

"CFR Cluj and Julio Baptista have reached an agreement on the amicable termination of the contract," the Transylvanian club said in a statement. Baptista, capped 47 times by Brazil, won the Copa America twice with his national team and the Spanish La Liga title with Real.

Known as "The Beast" due to his physical presence on the field, he played a total of 21 minutes in two domestic league matches. (Reporting by Angel Krasimirov, editing by Ed Osmond)