Chelsea midfielder Ramires has returned to the Brazil squad after more than a year without a call-up.
The 25-year-old, who has not played for Brazil since the 2011 Copa América, arrived in Stockholm yesterday for the Selacao’s friendly with Sweden.
Mano Menezes had previously refused to select the Chelsea man as he was playing out of position for his club at the time.
He said: “I come here as if for the first time. I was very glad when I got the call-up and now I hope to help the squad.”
Ramires played for Chelsea on Sunday and set-up Fernando Torres to score during their 3-2 Community Shield defeat to Manchester City. David Luiz suffered a knock during the game but has also travelled to Sweden.
When asked how the Brazil squad are feeling following their 2-1 defeat to Mexico in the Olympic final, Ramires said: “I do not know, because this will be my first contact with the group.
“I watched the game and hoped a lot but unfortunately we could not win gold. I hope they’re not too low.”
The defensive midfielder has also praised Chelsea’s £25 million signing of Oscar from Internacional this summer.
“It is too good to have another fellow Brazilian to help Chelsea,” he added.
Ramires has made just over 50 appearances since signing for the then English Premier League champions for €22 million in 2010.
He is expected to make the starting eleven for Wednesday’s friendly, which marks a re-run of the World Cup final between Brazil and Sweden that was staged at Sweden’s Rasunda Stadium in 1958 – which the Seleção won 5-2.
The Swedish FA has invited Pelé and other members of that Brazil team to attend as the guests of honour as it will be the last game to be played at the stadium before it is demolished next year to make way for a new arena.
The game kicks off at 19.00 BST.
