The 2013-2014 soccer season is underway and as many clubs continue to finalize offseason acquisitions, other teams search for ways to replace recently departed members. With some of the bigger names including Gareth Bale, Marouane Fellaini and Mesut Ozil finding news homes during the summer transfer window, another well-known player recently changed jerseys as he hopes a change of scenery puts his career back on track. It's not always easy to move to another club after spending a significant amount of time with one franchise but when players grow uneasy and unhappy, sometimes adjustments are for the best.
According to multiple sources, former Real Madrid midfielder Kaká will be returning to AC Milan after spending the last 4 seasons at the Bernabeu. The 31-year-old had grown unhappy with his role at Real Madrid, even being demoted to a reserve player largely due to the fact that his health was always up in the air. Though he was tabbed with FIFA World Player of the Year honors in 2007, the Brazil native was never able to achieve a consistent level of greatness, recording only 23 goals in 85 league matches with Real.
"Milan is ideal for me,'' Kaka said to Milan Channel recently." I always find great champions here. Before there was Pippo Inzaghi now there's Mario Balotelli. I hope to experience great joys with Mario. I really want to play. This is a special year for me because the World Cup is coming up but now I've got to do well with Milan. I was very sorry to leave but now it's even more special to come back."
Kaka returns to an AC Milan team that saw tremendous success with the midfielder as a member. Logging 70 goals in 193 matches, Kaka also helped the Italian club win multiple titles including the 2003-2004 Serie A crown and the 2004 Supercoppa Italiana. In addition to those honors, Milan took home the 2006-2007 UEFA Champions League trophy along with the 2007 UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Though he did have a hand in Madrid winning 3 titles during his time with the team, the 31-year-old knew a change was needed last week, even recruiting the help of his father to get a switch done.
I want to go. I think now is the right time for me and for the club to leave amicably," Kaká told reporters late last week. "I've spoken with [Madrid coach Carlo] Ancelotti and with the club - they all know. My father is talking now with the club to try to resolve this situation. Things are now difficult for me in the team and the club know what I want. It's my obligation to work hard and continue training, but my father is already working to see if something comes up. I think that it's best for me and for the club."
Though financial terms were not fully disclosed by player or club, multiple reports indicate that Kaká's deal with AC Milan following a free transfer is worth $5.3 million dollars over 2 years plus incentives.
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