体坛英语新闻：Ronaldinho left out of Brazil squad

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Ronaldinho is facing the reality that his international career may be over after being dropped from Brazil's national team.

The two-time FIFA world player of the year was left out of Brazil's 23-man squad for a series of upcoming friendlies against Denmark, the United States, Mexico and Argentina.

The squad will form the basis for Brazil's London Olympic team, set to be announced next month.

Ronaldinho's exclusion comes just two days after the president of Brazil's football federation, Jose Maria Marin, said he didn't want the midfielder to go to London.

The 32-year-old has been criticized for his poor form and the early exit of his Brazilian club Flamengo from this year's Copa Libertadores tournament.

National coach Mano Menezes, who last year cited Ronaldinho as a key part of his Olympic plans, admitted his feelings about the former Barcelona and AC Milan star had changed.

"I previously thought he deserved to be called up but not this time," Menezes said.

"Many times players are made scapegoats. He is not responsible for the success or the failure of the Brazilian team. I have a lot of respect for him and won't be like some others who like to kick people when they are down."

Menezes left open the possibility of Ronaldinho returning, saying: "some players are capable of coming back and surprising us. Ronaldinho is one of those."

There was better news for AC Milan's Alexandre Pato, who was recalled to the team after a series of injury problems.

The squad's over 23 players are goalkeeper Jefferson and defenders Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo and Daniel Alves.

Menezes said he would take the permitted three over-age players to the Games.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Neto (Fiorentina), Rafael (Santos)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Danilo, Alex Sandro (both Porto), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Bruno Uvini (Tottenham Hotspur), Juan (Inter Milan)

Midfielders: Casemiro, Lucas (both Sao Paulo), Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur), Romulo (Vasco da Gama), Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos), Oscar (Internacional), Giuliano (Dnipropetrovsk)

Forwards: Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Hulk (Porto), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Neymar (Santos), Wellington Nem (Fluminense).