Ronaldo set for Romania farewell

Posted Friday, May 20, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Brazilian football star Ronaldo will bid his farewell to the national side in a friendly against Romania on June 7, national coach Mano Menezes said.

Menezes on Thursday named a 28-man squad for friendlies against the Netherlands on June 4 and Romania three days later as Brazil prepare for the Copa America in Argentina next July.

The Romania game will be the final match for 34-year-old former Inter Milan and Real Madrid star Ronaldo.

"We're not asking a lot of him (Ronaldo), it will be a moment of friendship, of joy for him more than being on the pitch," said Menezes.

"He'll come on in the first half, he'll play a few minutes and during the break he can make his farewells."

The group includes three newcomers - Fluminense striker Fred, Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabio and Flamengo midfielder Thiago Neves.

"They are players with interesting characteristics and we want to observe them," explained Menezes. "We have put together a group which mixes experience, youth and talent."

Real Madrid midfielder Kaka is injured but stalwarts like Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Lucio and Thiago Silva have been called up, along with Santos striker Neymar.