From 2003 to 2009, Milan was graced with the presence of one of the greatest player’s of the current footballing generation.
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known by his world renowned nickname, Kaká, is arguably the greatest attacking midfielder in the game today, or at least based on his play from a few years ago. He joined Milan after three seasons as a first team player at Sao Paolo, where he had been since 1994 as part of the youth system.
In his six years at Milan, Kaká won it all. He won the Scudetto in 2004, the Italian Super Cup the same year, the UEFA Champions League in 2007, the UEFA Super Cup in 2003 and 2007, and the FIFA Club World Cup. On top of all his club honors, the Brazilian World Cup champion was also named the 2007 FIFA World Footballer of the Year for his role in leading Milan to a seventh Champions League triumph, which included 10 goals and three assists, one of which was the game winning assist to Filippo Inzaghi in the Champions League Final in Athens against Liverpool.
In January 2009, Kaká turned down an astronomical transfer fee and contract offer from Manchester City to remain at Milan, where he said he wanted to one day wear the captain’s armband. However, in the summer, when Milan were facing a horrible financial crisis,Kaká decided to leave when Real Madrid offered Milan $96.75 million for his services. The playmaker had said it was to help the Rossoneri and he never closed the door on a possible return.
That door has been opened slightly more.
Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi spoke on Radio Kiss Kiss recently and said that the Rossoneri would love to have their legend back. This comes as rumors continue to build linking Kaká with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu after two disastrous seasons which have seen him injured more often than not.
“Kaká is an extraordinary man,” the Italian Prime Minister said. “If he wants to come back to Milan we will welcome him with open arms.”
Rumors are linking Kaká with a move to Chelsea to be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti, but the former Milan manager could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Milan’s interest comes as they continue the search for a permanent replacement to Kaká. Since 2009, the likes of Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Antonio Cassano, and several others have all tried their hand at the attacking midfield position, but no one has seemed to fit the bill.
The Rossoneri have long been favorites to land Brazilian playmaker Ganso, but every day, the move seems less and less likely to happen for the 21-year old as Brazilian giants Santos are unwilling to sell their star player.
Another option being explored by Milan is Erik Lamela, the 19-year old Argentine wonderkid currently playing for River Plate.
Why not bring Kaká back? He is 29 and still has a few solid years of football left in him. He seems to not be in the plans for Jose Mourinho with players such as Mezut Ozil, Angel di Maria, and Nuri Sahin being brought into the club. By the time he is finished, its likely that Alexander Merkel could be ready to fill the position. He has been injury plagued in Spain, but he was also more comfortable playing for AC Milan.
Is a move for their former hero that crazy? There are not many other trequartistas out there with his caliber and he would be a great fit into the current system, especially being reunited with several former teammates as well as compatriots Pato, Robinho, and Thiago Silva.
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known by his world renowned nickname, Kaká, is arguably the greatest attacking midfielder in the game today, or at least based on his play from a few years ago. He joined Milan after three seasons as a first team player at Sao Paolo, where he had been since 1994 as part of the youth system.
In his six years at Milan, Kaká won it all. He won the Scudetto in 2004, the Italian Super Cup the same year, the UEFA Champions League in 2007, the UEFA Super Cup in 2003 and 2007, and the FIFA Club World Cup. On top of all his club honors, the Brazilian World Cup champion was also named the 2007 FIFA World Footballer of the Year for his role in leading Milan to a seventh Champions League triumph, which included 10 goals and three assists, one of which was the game winning assist to Filippo Inzaghi in the Champions League Final in Athens against Liverpool.
In January 2009, Kaká turned down an astronomical transfer fee and contract offer from Manchester City to remain at Milan, where he said he wanted to one day wear the captain’s armband. However, in the summer, when Milan were facing a horrible financial crisis,Kaká decided to leave when Real Madrid offered Milan $96.75 million for his services. The playmaker had said it was to help the Rossoneri and he never closed the door on a possible return.
That door has been opened slightly more.
Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi spoke on Radio Kiss Kiss recently and said that the Rossoneri would love to have their legend back. This comes as rumors continue to build linking Kaká with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu after two disastrous seasons which have seen him injured more often than not.
“Kaká is an extraordinary man,” the Italian Prime Minister said. “If he wants to come back to Milan we will welcome him with open arms.”
Rumors are linking Kaká with a move to Chelsea to be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti, but the former Milan manager could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Milan’s interest comes as they continue the search for a permanent replacement to Kaká. Since 2009, the likes of Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Antonio Cassano, and several others have all tried their hand at the attacking midfield position, but no one has seemed to fit the bill.
The Rossoneri have long been favorites to land Brazilian playmaker Ganso, but every day, the move seems less and less likely to happen for the 21-year old as Brazilian giants Santos are unwilling to sell their star player.
Another option being explored by Milan is Erik Lamela, the 19-year old Argentine wonderkid currently playing for River Plate.
Why not bring Kaká back? He is 29 and still has a few solid years of football left in him. He seems to not be in the plans for Jose Mourinho with players such as Mezut Ozil, Angel di Maria, and Nuri Sahin being brought into the club. By the time he is finished, its likely that Alexander Merkel could be ready to fill the position. He has been injury plagued in Spain, but he was also more comfortable playing for AC Milan.
Is a move for their former hero that crazy? There are not many other trequartistas out there with his caliber and he would be a great fit into the current system, especially being reunited with several former teammates as well as compatriots Pato, Robinho, and Thiago Silva.
The Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid, said the performance of the squad on Tuesday and praised the return of playmaker Kaka, who gave an assist for the goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 4-0 victory against Tottenham.
"The return of Kaka and Higuain was good too. We look forward Benzema in the return game and see how they are Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo," said the coach.
Despite the fact that the Spurs need to win by five goals to advance in the competition, Mourinho has warned and said the team is not guaranteed in the next phase.
"Real Madrid is not in the semis. Last time I played in the quarter-final won by four and was eliminated. I know the mentality of the English clubs and I know how it is. In England, everything is possible. We have to respect it because it has a rival quality is d
"The return of Kaka and Higuain was good too. We look forward Benzema in the return game and see how they are Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo," said the coach.
Despite the fact that the Spurs need to win by five goals to advance in the competition, Mourinho has warned and said the team is not guaranteed in the next phase.
"Real Madrid is not in the semis. Last time I played in the quarter-final won by four and was eliminated. I know the mentality of the English clubs and I know how it is. In England, everything is possible. We have to respect it because it has a rival quality is d
I had just returned from practice, and I was very upset, because the coach had told me that I had a physical limitation and would not let me play. So I was talking to my mom, and I was frustrated because it wasn’t something that was my fault, and she had turned on the radio and the pastor was saying something like this: “You, there, who thinks you are so small and that you have no strength and that you cannot accomplish anything.. you must know that David was a little shepherd but God enabled him to defeat huge giants. So relax, because just as God enabled David, he will too enable you to defeat giants.”-Ricardo Kaka
Gattuso wants Kaka back in Milan
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has admitted he would like to see Real Madrid ace Kaka return to the San Siro.
The Brazilian, who is currently suffering from an ongoing knee problem, has long been linked with a return to the Rossoneri after failing to settle at the Bernabeu.
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is also thought to be on the horizon for Milan, but when asked who he would prefer to see at the club next season, Gattuso selected his former teammate.
"Kaka, he made history with Milan and if he is loved so much it means he did well. We are waiting for him." he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Defender Alessandro Nesta has hinted that he could retire at the end of the season - but Gattuso is of the opinion that he will play on for a while yet, adding: "He is playing on the injury story. He will stop in two or three years like myself."
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has admitted he would like to see Real Madrid ace Kaka return to the San Siro.
The Brazilian, who is currently suffering from an ongoing knee problem, has long been linked with a return to the Rossoneri after failing to settle at the Bernabeu.
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is also thought to be on the horizon for Milan, but when asked who he would prefer to see at the club next season, Gattuso selected his former teammate.
"Kaka, he made history with Milan and if he is loved so much it means he did well. We are waiting for him." he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Defender Alessandro Nesta has hinted that he could retire at the end of the season - but Gattuso is of the opinion that he will play on for a while yet, adding: "He is playing on the injury story. He will stop in two or three years like myself."