Maicon aims to seal Brazil spot

AS Roma’ Maicon runs with the ball during an Italian Serie A match vs. Hellas Verona in Rome’s Olympic Stadium on September 1, 2013. (Getty Images)

Brasilia, Sep 5 (IANS): Right-back Maicon has declared his intention to remain Brazil’s first-choice defender until next year’s football World Cup.

The 32-year-old has been recalled to the national squad after a two-year absence for the Selecao’s friendlies against Australia Sunday and Portugal three days later, reports Xinhua.

And he is set to be given a starting berth after the withdrawal of Dani Alves with an ankle injury.

“Whenever I’ve worn the Brazil shirt I’ve always tried to do my best,” Maicon said during a press conference Wednesday.

“My objective is to not lose my national team spot again.”

Maicon has recaptured his best form for Roma after managing just 14 games in an injury-hit 2012-13 season with Manchester City.

“Since arriving at Roma I have been focused on trying to get another opportunity for the Selecao. The coaching staff understands my situation and how hard I have worked to get back.”