Fred: My Brazil career is over

The Fluminense hitman's fine recent form has led to speculation of a return to the Selecao but the 31-year-old has confirmed his international career has come to an end

Former Brazil striker Fred has confirmed he no longer has aspirations of returning to international football.

The Fluminense striker became a stalwart of former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side ahead of the World Cup, cementing his place by finishing joint-top scorer of the Confederations Cup 2013 with five goals.

He announced his international retirement after finding the net just once as Brazil fell to Germany in the semi-finals of the World Cup the following year, before confirming he would happily return if coach Dunga required his services.

However, he has yet to feature in a Brazil squad since Scolari’s departure in July last year and has now confirmed his international career is over.

"Honestly, returning to the national team is no longer something I think about it. I am concentrating solely on [club football] here at Fluminense,” the 31-year-old former Lyon striker told Radio Globo.

Fred has hit five goals in six games for Flu in the Carioca State Championship and his fine form, coupled with Dunga’s preferred No.9 Diego Tardelli’s recent switch to China, had sparked speculation of a possible recall.

“I've got five goals, but I could have eight or nine already,” he continued. “I'm always trying to evolve and improve, and now I just want to work on being as decisive as possible for Fluminense.”

Fred hit 18 goals in 39 games for the Selecao during a nine-year international career.

He was part of Carlos Alberto Parreira’s 2006 World Cup squad and helped Brazil to the Copa America title in 2007, but missed out on a place in Dunga’s squad for South Africa 2010.