TOKYO. Oct 9: Italy's Roberto Baggio said on Friday he had ruled out a lucrative move to the English Premier League because it would damage his chances of a national team recall, reports Reuters.

Speaking at a Tokyo news conference, the 32-year-old Inter Milan forward said it was his goal to play in a fourth World Cup.

"Italy is a special place and 1 want to stay there because I have a better chance of impressing the national team manager." he said.

"My physical condition is very good and I intend to keep playing for at least three more years. In fact It's my dream to play tn the 2002 World Cup. If I can achieve that I will retire ^^a^o said he had received several offers to go to the Premier League, where several of his compatriots play, but had turned them down to stay in the Serie A spotlight. He did not name the clubs.

Baggio will play alongside AC Milan's Leonardo in a J-League exhibition match at Tokyo's National Stadium on Monday.

"When 1 came here before. 1 was aware of the skill of the Japanese players. All they needed was time and experience." said Baggio.

"The fact that Hidetoshi Nakata is playing so well for Perugia is proof of the progress being made here In Japanese soccer." he said of the 1997 and 1998 Aslan Footballer of the year.