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Robinho eyes 2018 World Cup after Brazil recall

Xinhua, March 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Brazil forward Robinho says he already has an eye on the 2018 World Cup in Russia after earning an international recall on Thursday.

The 31-year-old expressed his gratitude to coach Dunga after being included in a 23-man squad for friendlies against France and Chile later this month.

"I've known Dunga for a long time. We were Copa America champions and Confederations Cup champions," Robinho told ESPN Brasil. "I appreciate the confidence shown in me and hope I can show my worth."

Robinho's call-up is reward for a sustained run of good form since joining Santos on loan from AC Milan in August.

In 28 matches for his boyhood club, Robinho has scored 14 times including five goals from seven matches this year.

"I have put in a good pre-season and now I have to get continuity," he said. "Forwards need to score goals. I am doing that and I hope to continue in this form both for Santos and the Selecao."

Robinho was overlooked for Brazil's 2014 World Cup squad by former national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

He admits he is glad to have missed the team's 7-1 semifinal defeat to Germany, described by Brazil's media as a national tragedy.

"We have to forget the 7-1 but at the same time learn from the mistakes we made," Robinho said.

"Unfortunately Brazil lost but now that's in the past. We can't keep harking back to it. Now it's time to think about the future."

The Selecao meet France in Paris on March 26 before confronting Chile in London on March 29.

The friendlies will provide Dunga with a final chance to assess his squad for the Copa America, to be played in Chile from June 11 to July 4.

Robinho allowed himself to think even further ahead, raising the prospect of going to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"I have always taken good care of myself," he said. "The World Cup is the objective of any player. I have never won a World Cup but maybe it could happen one day." Endi