Ronaldinho in Brazil’s preliminary Olympic squad

Ronaldinho was on Wednesday named in Brazil coach Mano Menezes' preliminary 52-man squad for the football tournament at this year's London Olympics.

Menezes must whittle the squad down to 35 players by June 8 before announcing a final 18-man squad by July 6.

Each squad is only allowed to include three players aged over 23 and Menezes' squad included young stars such as Santos forward Neymar, his club-mate Paulo Henrique Ganso, and AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato.

There is strong competition for the three over-age slots, with Flamengo playmaker Ronaldinho joined in Menezes' list by Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, Chelsea defender David Luiz and Milan centre-back Thiago Silva.

There was no place, however, for either Milan attacker Robinho or Real Madrid playmaker Kaka.

In total, 24 of the players pre-selected currently play their domestic football in Brazil.

The London Olympics run from July 27 to August 12.