May 13, 2007	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 25, 1428

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 12: AC Milan's Brazilian striker Kaka has asked not to be included in the national side for this summer's Copa America because he is exhausted after a tough season.

National boss Dunga has counted on Kaka for all of Brazil's international friendlies ahead of the Copa America and qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup which start next October.

But all of these matches, in addition to a gruelling schedule with AC Milan who have reached the Champions League final, have left the striker in need of a holiday.

“I haven't had a break for three seasons,” Kaka said. “I won't have the form to achieve what is expected of me at an international level.” Brazil hope to line out with a top level team made up mainly of stars from European soccer in the tournament in Venezuela from June 26 to July 15 after their surprise elimination in the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup.

“Dunga has said that the decision taken by Kaka opens the way for other players to take advantage of the Copa America,” a spokesman for the Brazilian football federation (CBF) said.

But it is feared that Ronaldinho will also opt out after the Barcelona star complained that he is physically exhausted.

AC Milan, meanwhile, are fourth in the Serie A and will meet English side Liverpool in the Champions League final in Athens on May 23, a repeat of the 2005 final which the English Premiership side won on penalties.—AFP