World Kick Off

Inter Milan striker Adriano said after the game that he was really happy to have returned to the Brazilian national squad...

The powerful striker, who returned to Seleção after an absence of almost 18 months from international football, played during the second-half of Brazil's 3-2 friendly win over Canada.

Although Adriano did not score in his return, he had a good chance on goal and even played Alexandre Pato through with a superb pass in what was a fairly good display from the former Parma player.

The 26-year-old said that playing again for Brazil will be very important to his recovery process, adding that he will continue working to be a regular call-up.

"It is very important to defend the Brazilian squad again," he said after the game. "It is good to be back, but this is a long road, I have to work really hard to get a place in the team."

Adriano, who is currently on loan at São Paulo, will return to Inter Milan at the end of the season although he does not know whether incoming coach, José Mourinho, is including him in his first-team plans.

Luís Mira