The Barcelona star has told the Brazil Football Federation that he is too tired to play after a long season in Spain and Europe which is still underway.

That follows hard on the heels of a similar request from AC Milan's on-form midfielder Kaka. The two men are key elements in the side coached by Dunga.

Before the Copa America in Venezuela (June 26-July 15), Brazil have scheduled two friendlies against England at the new Wembley on June 1 and against Turkey in Dortmund four days later.

The South Americans hope to field a top level team made up mainly of stars from European soccer in the tournament in Venezuela after their surprise elimination in the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup.