体坛英语新闻：Former Real Madrid forward Baptista joins Orlando City

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Former Real Madrid and Brazil international forward Julio Baptista has joined Orlando City, the Major League Soccer club said on Wednesday.

Baptista, 34, was signed as a free agent after parting ways with Brazilian Serie A outfit Cruzeiro in December.

He joins former Brazil international teammate Kaka at the US club, which finished its inaugural MLS season last year in 14th place.

"Julio is a strong, physical and tactical player who will provide us with more depth and options in the forward positions," head coach Adrian Heath said in a statement on Orlando City's official website.

"We enjoyed having him train with us earlier this month and are very pleased with the decision to bring him on board full time."

Baptista has scored 163 goals in 526 matches over his club career. He has also represented Brazil 45 times, scoring eight goals.