Real Madrid's Kaka celebrates after scoring a goal against Sevilla during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, May 7, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

SAO PAULO - Brazil coach Mano Menezes says Kaka called him and asked to be left out of the Copa America squad so he could have more time to regain his form following knee surgery.

Menezes says Kaka told him that he would rather rest and focus on properly preparing himself for next season with Real Madrid so he can try to play at a high level again after undergoing left knee surgery last year.

In an interview with the SportTV channel Monday night, Menezes also hinted that Real Madrid defender Marcelo was left out because he recently asked to be released from the squad citing an injury he had not actually sustained. The coach said he found out that Marcelo told club officials that he was able to avoid the call-up to the national team.