Ronaldinho earns Brazil recall

The former Barcelona and AC Milan forward was included in a 24-man squad by coach Mano Menezes for a friendly against 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana in London on September 5.

Ronaldinho, a World Cup winner in 2002, wins his first call-up since returning from Europe in January. He last played for Brazil in a 1-0 defeat by Argentina in Qatar in November.

"He is turning into one of the top players in Brazil this season," Menezes told a news conference. "He's been playing frequently and showing his physical improvement because we never doubted his technical [abilities].

"Ronaldinho is becoming a leader who must be a key figure we need in the Brazil team. He can come to signify for the national team what he means to Flamengo."

Ronaldinho's second-placed team are unbeaten in their 16 matches and he has scored nine goals.