Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka, the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner who helped Brazil to the World Cup victory in 2002, said he was happy to be included on the Selecao for two important September friendlies in the United States as Brazil prepares for 2018 World Cup qualifying.
"It's a big day for me, so I'd like to share this great news with all of the supporters" Kaka told ESPN Brazil. "I'm back in the national team after almost a year, and I'm so happy for that. I think I can help the team in this period. We're starting the qualification process for the next World Cup, so it's an important period for everybody and also for me. So, I'm so happy and glad to be back in the national team again."
Hear @KAKA's thoughts on being called up to the Brazilian National Team for international friendlies. pic.twitter.com/8xV0HgpAMm
- Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) August 14, 2015
Brazil coach Dunga named his team on Thursday for the friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States. Brazil will face Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena on Sept. 5, before taking on the U.S. team at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 8.
"I know the coaching staff very well and I know Dunga personally," Kaka said. "I will do everything possible to help the new players on the team and to do my part for these friendlies, especially as we get ready for the [2018 World Cup qualifying] CONMEBOL qualifying, which will be very difficult.
"I think that I can help the team in some way and obviously, the role I play at Orlando City was fundamental to my being taken into account for the Selecao, so I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me. I hope to help from a tactical standpoint, both on the pitch and off as well as with the role of imparting values to the team."
Kaka is the most veteran player in a squad that includes Neymar, Hulk, Lucas and Oscar but omitted Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva.
Kaka, 33-year-old former Milan and Real Madrid player, was included after being left out of the squads for the 2015 Copa America and the 2014 World Cup.
During his professional career, Kaka made more 89 appearances for Brazil, playing in three World Cups and winning a World Cup title in 2002. The midfielder last featured for Brazil in October 2014, coming off the bench in friendly victories over Japan and Argentina.
Kaka has played a crucial role in Orlando City's inaugural campaign, starting 22 matches in 22 appearances. The Lions' captain ranks in the top 10 in MLS for goals, scoring nine times while also notching four assists.
Brazil manager Dunga said he valued the experience of a players such as the 33-year-old Kaka.
"We gave [Coutinho] a chance in the Copa America," Dunga told reporters in reference to Liverpool's 23-year-old playmaker. "You can't build with just youngsters, you need experience to help."
The five-time World Cup champions Brazil will open their World Cup qualifying campaign away against Copa America holders Chile in October.
Their first two home games will be against Venezuela in Fortaleza in October and Peru in Salvador in November.
After winning 10 friendlies in a row under Dunga, Brazil lost their second group game in the Copa America to Colombia and were then knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in quarterfinals.