Rafael da Silva has been called up to the 23-man Brazilian national squad for their friendly against the USA in August. New manager Mano Menezes has left out some of Dunga’s World Cup squad, after the team’s disappointing end to the tournament.

Rafael is obviously very happy to have been called up and recognises he is likely to play in Maicon’s absence.

“I’m so happy to have been called up to the national team and very proud,” said Rafael. “It’s my first call and I hope there will be more to come in the future. The coach called me before he announced the squad and asked me how I felt and how my training was going. I was so happy when he told me I was going to be in the squad. Maicon plays in my position and he is a great player who I can learn a lot from. I am so lucky to play for the best team in the world, Manchester United. Now to play for my country will be a dream come true.”

Goalkeepers: Victor (Gremio), Renan (Avai), Jefferson (Botafogo)
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Rafael (Manchester United), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Marcelo (Real Madrid), David Luiz (Benfica), Henrique (Racing), Rever (Atletico-MG), Thiago Silva (Milan)
Midfielders: Sandro (Internacional), Ramires (Benfica), Lucas (Liverpool), Jucilei (Corinthians), Ganso (Santos), Ederson (Lyon), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)
Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Diego Tardelli (Atletico-MG), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Andre (Santos), Neymar (Santos)