Real Madrid playmaker Kaká has expressed his shock following his recent recall to the Seleção squad by coach Mano Menezes.

The 30-year-old is part of a 23-man squad for Brazil’s upcoming friendly encounters with Iraq on October 11 and Japan four days later.

Kaká has struggled in recent seasons due to a number of injuries and a loss of form, which has seen him fall out of favour with the national side and down the pecking order at the Bernabéu.

However, following a recent rise in form for Madrid, the former Ballon D’Or winner has been recalled by the Seleção for the first time in more than two years.

Kaká said: “This is a surprise to me. Actually I did not expect it.

“I received a message in the morning saying that there might be a surprise for me and I waited anxiously.

“Suddenly I saw that my name was on the list. My wife and kids have celebrated my return to the Seleção.”

Kaká’s last game with the national team was Brazil’s elimination by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

He recently played 60 minutes and scored three times during Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Trophy win over Millonarios, which prompted José Mourinho to hint at some more playing time for the Brazilian.