Former Brazil striker Adriano has played again after a nearly two-year layoff and is setting his sights on a return to the national team for the World Cup at home.
Although Adriano played less than 10 minutes in Atletico Paranaense's 1-0 win over The Strongest of Bolivia in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday, it marked his return to football after a series of injuries and off-the-field problems that almost led to his retirement.
Four months before the World Cup, the 31-year-old Adriano says it's difficult not to dream about playing in the World Cup with Brazil this year, although he admits it won't be easy and that he will have to be patient to regain his best form.
"I would be lying if I said it's impossible to return to the national team and play in the World Cup," Adriano said.
"The World Cup is one of the titles I have never won, along with the Libertadores, but I have to keep working hard here at Atletico to regain my space bit by bit."
A starter for Brazil in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Adriano hadn't played a match since March 2012, when he still played for Brazilian club Corinthians.
