WELCOME BACK: Ricardo Kaka is hugged by AC Milan supporters outside a restaurant in Milan yesterday. (EPA)
Dozens of delirious AC Milan supporters took to the streets of the city late on Monday to herald the return of Brazilian midfielder Kaka following his arrival from Real Madrid.
Kaka was one of Real’s most expensive signings in 2009 when the club paid Milan 65 million euros for him after a highly-succesful six-season spell with the Rossoneri.
After being left on the sidelines under Jose Mourinho, Kaka’s chances of more regular first team action at the Santiago Bernabeu faded further when his former coach at Milan, Carlo Ancelotti, took over the ‘Galacticos’ for the new season.
With Brazil hosting the 2014 World Cup, Kaka launched a plea to leave Real and the Spaniards allowed the 31-year-old to return to his former club on a free transfer.
Kaka was met by dozens of fans upon his arrival at Milan-Linate airport on Monday, a scene that was repeated when he met club vice-president Adriano Galliani late on Monday.
At the Giannino restaurant, a favourite haunt of AC Milan and its players, were dozens of fans noisily convened to celebrate Kaka’s arrival. The player sipped champagne and was presented with a cake adorned with the words ‘Some love affairs never end’.
Kaka, who has signed a two-year contract, was delighted to be back. “I really wanted to come here and now I’m back I am so happy. I’ve returned home!” said the Brazilian, who took a significant pay cut to facilitate his move to the San Siro.
Kaka’s first spell at the Rossoneri, from 2003 to 2009, coincided with his rise to prominence that culminated in him winning the 2007 Ballon d’Or after leading Milan to the Champions League title that year.