Ronaldinho dreams of a place in Brazil's 2012 Olympics squad

Posted Thursday, September 08, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Flamengo star Ronaldinho was delighted to return to the Brazil team in Monday's friendly against Ghana and hopes to stay in Mano Menezes' plans for the London 2012 Olympics and beyond.

After months in the international wilderness, the playmaker started for the Selecao at London's Craven Cottage against the Black Stars, showing moments of his undoubted skill during a 1-0 victory. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star worked well with attacking partners Neymar and Leandro Damiao, and only a spectacular save from Ghana keeper Adam Kwarasey denied him a goal from a perfectly struck free kick.

"I hadn't played with most of the squad before, but I felt good. I am happy to be back, forming a part of the squad and helping the Brazilian team to victory," the 31-year-old beamed to reporters. "Now it is time for hard work in my club, because the Olympics and the World Cup are coming. These are my objectives."

The player's confidence was reflected by coach Menezes, who left the door open for him to continue in the Selecao.

"Ronaldinho is now in better shape physically. And because of this improvement, he is making the most out of his obvious talent. He left a great impression at the end and that is what we expected of him," Menezes said.

Ronaldinho is expected to star once more for Brazil on Sept. 14 when a domestic-based side will meet its Argentina counterparts in Cordoba.