Soccer: Dida calls it a day for Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil goalkeeper Dida has effectively called time on his international soccer career, coach Dunga said today.

"He has called us saying that it is not in his plans to play for Brazil any more," Dunga said in a television interview.

The new coach implied that he was unlikely to be sympathetic to any future change of heart on the part of the softly-spoken goalkeeper.

"We don't want any player who doesn't want to represent Brazil, who doesn't have any pleasure in being here," said Dunga, who replaced Carlos Alberto Parreira following the World Cup.

"The player has to put his soul and his heart with the team as well as his body."

Dida, 32, has not played for Brazil since the World Cup quarter-final defeat against France.

The AC Milan player was in Brazil's squad at the last three World Cups, although he had to wait until the 2006 tournament to get a game.

He played in all five of Brazil's games in Germany conceding only two goals.

He made his international debut against South Africa in 1997 and went on to win 92 caps. He also played in the 1996 Olympic Games when Brazil won the bronze medal.

- REUTERS