Atletico Madrid playmaker Diego has admitted that he would love the chance to prove to Brazil coach Mano Menezes that he has what it takes to return to the national team.
Diego, 27, has impressed since moving to Spain at the start of the 2011-12 season on loan from Wolfsburg, and has been a regular member of the Atletico side that has reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.
He has not featured in Mano's Brazil plans, however, and indeed has not played an international match since 2009.
Speaking on Tuesday evening, the midfielder revealed that his goal was to break into the Selecao squad again after a three-year absence, and was confident that his international story still had more chapters to be added.
"It is always a challenge, but Atletico Madrid are having a great season and I am completely focused. I am sure that, if I continue playing as I am, I will get another chance," the ex-Juventus and Werder Bremen player told EFE.
Diego then touched on the upcoming derby against capital rivals Real Madrid, and explained that it was a special fixture for the players.
"It is a special match, and it is a pleasure to play in it. We are getting ready to play a great game."
Diego lifted the Copa America with Brazil in 2004 and 2007, and was also a South American champion at Under-17 level back in 2001.
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