Forgotten midfield star Kaka, who hasn't played international football since the 2010 World Cup, has been recalled to the Brazil squad on Thursday.

The 30-year-old former Footballer of the Year has been included in a 23-man group for next month's back-to-back friendlies against Iraq and Japan.

He last played in the 2-1 quarter-finals defeat against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

"It's important to have players with experience," coach Mano Menezes, who insisted that Kaka will be among the "leaders" of a young Brazilian team which is building towards the 2014 World Cup which they will host, said on Thursday.

Real Madrid star Kaka was called up to the national squad for friendlies against Gabon and Egypt in October 2011, but was forced to withdraw through injury.

Roma defender Leandro Castan received a first call-up while there is plenty of youthful attacking flair in Neymar of Santos, Internacional's Leandro Damiao as well as midfielders Oscar of Chelsea and Lucas who plays with Sao Paulo.

Brazil are in friendly internationals against Iraq in Malmo, Sweden, on October 11 and against Japan in Wroclaw, Poland on October 16.