KAKA FINE WITH NOT MAKING COPA AMERICA

Brazil International, Kaka says he is okay with not making the continental tournament.

Given that Brazil will play its second group-stage game against Haiti in Kaka’s home stadium, the Citrus Bowl, there was speculation that the former Ballon d’Or winner might make the final 23. However, a thigh injury has limited Kaka to just three appearances this season for Orlando, though he did record two goals and two assists in that time. While Kaka is expected to play this in Orlando’s home match this Friday against the New York Red Bulls, that return to health wasn’t enough to make the final cut.

Kaka’s most recent appearance for Brazil was in October, when he came on for the final 15 minutes of a 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela.

The star player told ESPN FC:

“I respect Dunga’s decision.

“I tried, I’m ready to play, no problem at all. I still have my team [Orlando City] here, so I will keep playing and if the opportunity comes in the future, I will be happy to serve my national team.”

Kaka has played 91 times for the Selecao since making his debut in 2002, appearing in three World Cups — including the cup-winning side of 2002 — and scoring 29 goals. But incredibly, none of those appearances have come at a Copa America.

Kaka continued saying:

“It was different situations.

“Sometimes the team, [the coach] decided to rotate the players that played the most for the national team because Brazil played a lot of competitions in a row for [many] years.

“I think Dunga has got a lot of experience.

“He played for the national team for a long time and he knows the atmosphere there, how to manage the press, the pressure, so he can give a lot to the national team. It’s not easy to be the coach for the Brazilian national team. But I think he’s doing very good.”