Rio de Janeiro, Nov 11 (IANS) Former AC Milan and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka said on Tuesday that he hopes to start in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Thursday.
The 33-year-old was an unused substitute in the Selecao’s 2-0 loss to Chile in their opening qualifier in Santiago last month, reported Xinhua.
He was then introduced for the final 15 minutes of the team’s 3-1 victory over Venezuela in Fortaleza five days later.
“Of course everyone wants to play, but it’s important everyone knows their responsibility,” Kaka told Brazilian news portal Globoesporte.
“I’m not here to be on the bench. I am here to fight for a place, but always in a fair, correct way and with respect for the coach’s position.”
Kaka scored nine goals and provided seven assists for Orlando City this year, but his efforts were not enough to lift the club to the MLS playoffs.
Despite having rarely featured for Brazil since the 2010 World Cup, the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year believes he still has plenty to offer the national team.
“I come after a good end to the season, without physical problems and ready to fight for a spot,” he said.
Brazil’s clash with Argentina in Buenos Aires will be followed by another World Cup qualifier against Peru in the Brazilian city of Salvador on November 17.
