Kaka joins Madrid to help Milan - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Kaka joins Madrid to help Milan

Brazil star Kaka has revealed he has joined Real Madrid in order to help AC Milan to overcome their financial difficulties.

The Italian side confirmed the sale of Kaka to Real in an expected world-record transfer late on Monday night, before Madrid also announced the move on their own website.

"I can officially say I'm a Real Madrid player. My professional link with AC Milan finishes now, but my sentimental link will never end," Kaka said.

Reports have suggested Kaka, who was also earlier linked with Chelsea, has signed for around 68 million euros (£59million) - which, if true, would smash the world record fee of £46.7million paid by Real to Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

He had the opportunity to join Manchester City in January this year in a deal reported to be worth £100million, but opted to stay in Italy.

At a press conference in Recife, where the player is currently on international duty with Brazil, Kaka revealed he rejected the move to England as he did not want to leave Milan mid-season.

He added: "Real Madrid intend to build a great team, with historic players such as Raul and Casillas. We will make history again, both in Spain and Europe. I guess the sport project is very good.

"Manchester City and Real Madrid are two different clubs with different situations. At that time (January), it was mid-season, I had a strong emotional impact due to the Italian fans requesting me to stay, and I decided to stay.

"Now another chance came up and AC Milan is in a big crisis (financially). For me, the sporting project (at Madrid) is interesting and will be an important boost to continue my career in the highest level."

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