By TALES AZZONI
AP Sports Writer
Associated Press Sports
updated 11:37 p.m. ET Sept. 4, 2012
SAO PAULO (AP) -Striker Hulk doesn't believe his transfer from FC Porto to Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg will affect his spot with the Brazilian national team.
He still expects to attract the attention of Brazil coach Mano Menezes despite playing in the less competitive Russian league.
"I won't be in hiding just because I'll be playing in Russia," Hulk said at Brazil's training camp ahead of Friday's friendly against South Africa in Sao Paulo. "These days all leagues are very visible, I'm sure that Mano will be watching the Russian league just like he will be watching the Italian, the English and the others."
Zenit signed the 26-year-old Hulk to a five-year contract on Monday in a transfer worth $50 million, according to Brazilian media. There had been rumors of a multimillion transfer to Chelsea in recent months.
"I just have to keep doing my job at my new club and keep taking advantage of the chances I get with the national team," he said.
Hulk made his Brazil debut in 2009 and was regularly picked by Menezes after the coach took over the national team following the 2010 World Cup. He was one of the three players older than 23 included in Brazil's Olympic squad at the London Games. Brazil left with the silver medal after losing the final to Mexico.
Hulk began the tournament as a starter but eventually lost his spot. He came on in the final in the first half and scored Brazil's late goal in the 2-1 loss.
Hulk had been with Porto since 2008, helping the Portuguese club win three national titles and the 2011 Europa League. He previously played in Brazil and Japan before moving to Portugal.
"I have to thank Porto for giving me the chance to show the world what I can do," Hulk said. "I'm happy that my work was recognized."
After facing South Africa at Morumbi stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil will travel to the northeastern city of Recife to play China in another friendly.
The five-time world champions are not playing in South American World Cup qualifying because they have already secured their place in the 2014 tournament as hosts.
Menezes is using most of the players who were at the London Olympics, including Neymar, Lucas and Oscar. He is already trying to set up the squad that will play at next year's Confederations Cup and the World Cup.
Brazil will be without injured Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva for both friendlies.
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? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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