Orlando City star
Kaká has been called up by Brazil for its World Cup qualifiers in November. He says it’s good to be “motivated.”
Orlando City star Kaká has been called up by Brazil for its World Cup qualifiers in November.
The midfielder was with the team for its qualifiers earlier this month, playing 15 minutes against Venezuela, and has been called in by Brazil’s coach, Dunga, again for qualifiers against Argentina and Peru on Nov. 13 and Nov. 17, respectively.
Kaká is the first field player to compete in MLS and be called in by the Brazilian national team.
Earlier this week, Kaká told the Orlando Sentinel his major personal goal was to stay in the mix for the Brazil squad.
“Going back to the national team was amazing for me because I could show for everybody that this league is very good,” he said. “I can play here and I can play for one of the best national teams in the world. I’m the first player who plays in the U.S. — because Julio Cesar played in Toronto — to be a part of the national team in Brazil. So that’s a good thing for me. I want to be back in the national team staying with the national team. I’m the experienced guy now.
“The same thing I can do here, I can do for the national team. And also for me, it’s good to be motivated. I don’t want to be just the guy in the national team to teach the guys or to help them to grow. I want to go there to play and be effective on the field. I’ll keep fighting to have my place on the team. If Dunga thinks I can stay and play, I’ll fight for that.”
Hall has surgery
Orlando City announced Tally Hall went through surgery on his knee Thursday as scheduled after he suffered a torn meniscus against NYCFC Oct. 16.
Hall injured the same knee that suffered a torn ACL last season. Graham Zusi, a Sporting Kansas City midfielder, ranked 13th in jersey sales. Former Orlando City striker Dom Dwyer ranked 14th.
Here is the full list: 1. Clint Dempsey, Seattle Sounders; 2. Steven Gerrard, LA Galaxy; 3. Kaká, Orlando City; 4. Andrea Pirlo, New York City FC; 5. David Villa, New York City FC. 6. Obafemi Martins, Seattle Sounders; 7. Frank
New York City