Robinho returns to Brazil squad

Robinho returns to Brazil squad

Published May. 19, 2011 5:56 p.m. ET

Robinho is back in Brazil's national squad for friendlies against the Netherlands and Romania next month, but Ronaldinho and Kaka have again been omitted.

Brazil will host the Netherlands on June 4 and Romania on June 7.

The match against Romania will mark the farewell for former Brazil star Ronaldo, who retired from football earlier this year. He is expected to play only a few minutes before being honored at halftime.

Young Santos sensation Neymar and Fred, a member of the 2006 World Cup team, were also included in the list of 28 players selected by coach Mano Menezes on Thursday.

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Menezes will pick his final squad for the Copa America in Argentina in July following the match against Romania.

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Squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Victor (Gremio), Jefferson (Botafogo), Fabio (Cruzeiro).

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Inter Milan), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Adriano (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Luisao (Benfica).

Midfielders: Lucas (Liverpool), Ramires (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham), Anderson (Manchester United), Elias (Atletico Madrid), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Henrique (Cruzeiro), Jadson (Shakhtar), Elano (Santos), Thiago Neves (Flamengo).

Forwards: Alexandre Pato (Milan), Nilmar (Villarreal), Neymar (Santos), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Fred (Fluminense), Robinho (Milan).

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