Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has admitted his recall to the Brazil squad after a two-year absence was a surprise.
Boss Mano Menezes has named Kaka in his squad for the friendlies with Iraq and Japan next month, while the three goals he scored in Wednesday’s 8-0 Trofeo Bernabeu win over Millonarios has also given him fresh hope.
“I spoke with Menezes recently and we have been in touch for a while now, but I admit it was a surprise when I got the call-up,” he told Globoesporte.
“I saw it on television when he was naming the squad, mainly because people were saying I could be in it, but when I heard my name it made me really happy. It was as if it was my first time.”
Even so, it will be the first time that Kaka has been named in the same squad as striking sensation Neymar, something he claims he is looking forward to.
“I don’t know him personally and I’ve never met him before but I’ve followed his career from Europe, yet I don’t know everything that happens in Brazil.
“I’ve also followed the rumours of his possible move to Spain, but it will be great to play with him first.”
The 30-year-old has not played for his country since July 2010, a 2-1 loss to Holland in a World Cup quarter-final match in South Africa.
”I’m coming back after two years and I need to regain my place, get out on the pitch and play some games. I’m starting again at the age of 30. Having conquered almost everything I now have another opportunity.”
With the 2014 World Cup being held in Brazil, Kaka is looking to rediscover his club form with Real Madrid to force his way into the reckoning for the tournament.
“It will be good to have contact with Neymar, people from a new generation. I’ve not looked at the list of players I’ve played with before, but I’m sure it’s going to be different.
“I want to take advantage in the best possible way to have the minutes with Madrid I need to be able to play in World Cup,” he concluded.
