NEWS: Brazil coach Dunga was hit by the withdrawal of one of his most experienced players just hours after naming his experimental squad for the Copa America.
Ze Roberto was one of just six Selecao players in the 22-man squad who played in last summer’s World Cup, but the 32-year-old sensationally quit the side for good and announced he was looking for a transfer back to Europe after a brief spell with Santos
He joins Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano and Lucio (pictured right) as stars who will miss the tournament in Venezuela, which starts later this month. (scroll down for squad)
Ze Roberto told the Press Association: “It was a very difficult decision. I am too old to play in the Copa America and I won’t have a chance to play in the next World Cup.”
Dunga’s squad includes 19-year-old forward Anderson, who Manchester United have signed for £17million – subject to gaining a work permit – from FC Porto.
The coach told AP: “With this list we have several options for the attack. (Real Madrid striker) Robinho and Anderson, for example, can play both as forwards and as offensive midfielders.
“The new players arriving now can play at a high level. They are having opportunities and going through the same situations that Ronaldinho and Kaka already have gone through.”
Dunga has yet to call up a replacement for Ze Roberto.
Brazil Copa America squad
Goalkeepers:
Helton (FC Porto), Doni (Roma).
Defenders:
Alex Silva (Sao Paulo), Alex (Chelsea), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen), Naldo (Werder Bremen), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Kleber (Santos).
Midfielders:
Josue (Sao Paulo), Diego (Werder Bremen), Elano (Shakhtar Donetsk), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin), Anderson (Manchester United), Fernando (Bordeaux), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal).
Forwards:
Robinho (Real Madrid), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow), Afonso (Heerenveen), Fred (Lyon).
