Martin Demichelis has admitted that he thought his international career was over before his inclusion in Argentina's 30-man provisional World Cup squad.
The defender was criticised for his early displays at Manchester City, but eventually played a key role in helping them pip Liverpool to the Premier League title.
His form caught the eye of Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella, who has handed former Bayern Munich centre-back Demichelis his first call-up since 2011, much to the 33-year-old's surprise.
Demichelis is grateful for another opportunity to show that he can still perform at the highest level.
"I felt that I was out of the national team," he told America and Closs. "I didn't imagine that I was going to be talking about a recall to the team. This season has ended in the best way for me after we won the Premier League.
"My recall was a surprise, but with a big desire. I think that I am in a great moment. I was asked several times if I still thought I could be recalled and I always answered that while I am physically well, I had the wish.
"Now that I have the chance that I wasn't really expecting I am going to try to fight for a place and take advantage of this opportunity."
Demichelis's City teammates Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta are the other Premier League representatives in Argentina's squad, although there was no place for former Citizen Carlos Tevez.
Joe Fish
