Kaká

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Kaka stresses AC Milan devotion

Kaka has reiterated his attachment to Milan and feels he is “in debt” to the Rossoneri.

The Brazilian ace has thrived at San Siro and won a devastating array of individual awards last term, but he hasn’t enjoyed such success on a team level.

The Rossoneri are in danger of missing out on next season’s Champions League as they trail fourth-placed Fiorentina by four points, but Kaka is still in love with his club.

“I wanted to play at one of Europe’s great clubs and Milan were the only ones to make an offer,” the Brasilia native recalled on Spanish radio show Onda Cero.

“This club gave me the opportunity to realise my full potential and changed my life – I owe them for that.”

Real Madrid have made no secret of their desire to lure Kaka to La Liga, but the 25-year-old stressed that he wouldn’t instigate any deal.

“I have always said that there would need to be an agreement between the two sides for me to change clubs.” he said “I am happy in Milan and I feel at ease here.

“Real have never spoken directly to me, but they have been in contact with my agent who told them that they needed to sort things with the club first.”

Kaka has been sidelined since limping off after just 10 minutes of the Diavolo’s Week 29 defeat against Sampdoria.

“I am recovering and I’m over the problem,” he explained. “Luckily for me I have never had a really serious injury in my career.”

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Kaka admits: AC Milan struggling for motivation

AC Milan ace Kaka has revealed the dressing room are finding it difficult to motivate themselves in their battle to clinch fourth-place.

Out of the Champions League and running for the Scudetto, Kaka conceded: "We need to show our character.

"The battle for fourth place is a war within ourselves, but it is hard to stay motivated."

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MILAN-CAGLIARI

GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Kalac;

DEFENDERS:Bonera, Cafu, Favalli, Kaladze, Maldini, Simic;

MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kaka, Pirlo, Seedorf;

STRIKERS: Inzaghi, Pato, Paloschi.

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AC Milan 3:1 Cagliari - match report

Scorers: Kaka 8 (M), Inzaghi 31, 69 (M), Conti 49 ©

Kaka and brace hero Pippo Inzaghi marked their comebacks by taking Milan to a sorely needed 3-1 win over Cagliari, but Zeljko Kalac was left red-faced.

The Rossoneri were in dire straits with consecutive home defeats to Sampdoria and Atalanta, while they were missing the suspended Alessandro Nesta and injured Alexandre Pato, Ronaldo, Alberto Gilardino, Emerson, Serginho, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski. Carlo Ancelotti opted for a 4-4-2 system despite the fact he had no wide men in the squad. Cagliari are staging an incredible comeback in a four-match unbeaten run, but had not won here in 11 years.

Ancelotti demanded a strong start and he got it, as in 25 seconds Gennaro Gattuso fired over.

Kaka made his comeback after a calf problem and immediately made the difference. The World and European Player of the Year sprinted forward surrounded by Cagliari shirts for around 20 metres and smashed a right-foot finish into the near bottom corner.

Massimo Ambrosini was tripped right on the line and the referee awarded a free kick, although technically the line is part of the area and so it could well have been a penalty.

Kakha Kaladze was booked and will be suspended for the Juventus game, as will Nesta.

Pippo Inzaghi has been out injured for two months, but marked his comeback with a goal, too. A corner kick was whipped in for Inzaghi's header from seven yards that bounced off the ground to beat Marco Storari, but the marking from Cagliari was poor.

Gattuso was so close to a third goal moments later. Kaka and Clarence Seedorf spread the play for Gattuso to come tearing in, but two Cagliari defenders flung themselves at his feet to act as human shields and deny a certain goal.

Milan passed the ball around quickly and Kaka stung Storari's palms with a powerful right-foot strike from Andrea Pirlo's assist. Kaka also curled a left-foot gem inches wide of the far top corner, as he was spreading his range all across the final third.

Cagliari made two changes at the break for a more attacking formation, but it was a Milan player who handed them a goal. Zeljko Kalac's howler allowed a Daniele Conti free kick to squirm out of his hands and under his body when the ball was already in his grasp!

Moments later both Conti and Parola had shots charged down, then Kalac pushed a Pasquale Foggia shot out for a corner from a tight angle.

At the other end Inzaghi volleyed a Seedorf cross off target, but Cagliari nearly returned Kalac's favour as Diego Lopez's header back to his 'keeper almost turned into an own goal and floated inches past the post.

Former Milan youth product Alessandro Matri's overhead kick was wide, but there was more bad news for the Rossoneri as Giuseppe Favalli limped off with a suspected thigh strain. Marcos Cafu came on, moving Daniele Bonera to left-back.

Cagliari threatened an equaliser as Matri got in front of Cafu to meet a Foggia cross, but scuffed his shot from seven yards.

Gattuso was stretchered off with a bruised knee and was replaced by Cristian Brocchi, but was able to walk off the field after treatment.

Milan restored their two-goal cushion with a goal of sheer determination from Super Pippo Inzaghi. He sprung the offside trap and dribbled round Storari. The goalkeeper got a touch to it and he lost his footing, but he got back up, turned and steered the ball into the net despite three Cagliari defenders in his path.

Kaka sent Seedorf clear on goal, but the Dutchman slipped up and the chance went begging. The strain was starting to show on Milan, as Pirlo was the final player substituted, but Kaka and Ambrosini were both asking to be taken off.

Robert Acquafresca almost made the most of a weak backpass, while Storari smothered a Daniele Bonera strike. Kalac did better on another Conti free kick this time, capturing it at the near post.

Kaka almost completed his brace too in stoppages, a splendid right-foot curler palmed out of the top corner by Storari.

Milan: Kalac; Bonera, Kaladze, Maldini, Favalli (Cafu 61); Gattuso (Brocchi 66), Pirlo (Gourcuff 75), Ambrosini; Seedorf; Kakà, Inzaghi

Cagliari: Storari; Ferri, Lopez, Canini, Agostini; Fini (Parola 46), Conti (Acquafresca 74), Biondini; Cossu (Jeda 46); Foggia, Matri

Ref: Rosetti

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RIGHT REACTION

At the end of the game against Cagliari, the Rossoneri were satisfied with the performance of the team, but especially they were happy with the great reaction of the group - THE ROSSONERI'S DECLARATIONS –

MILAN – These are the declarations of the Rossoneri players at the end of Milan-Cagliari 3-1:

KAKA':

“I’m very happy personally to have managed to score a goal in the last three games I played. It’s a thing which charges me up greatly as it’s always a pleasure. Tonight I felt well and managed to do the things I wanted. It was a good return. On the move of the goal, Pippo was very good as he allowed me the necessary space to score. It was a nice move. We started out well, with the right motivation and different spirit to the previous three games. We played a good first half and only for 15 minutes we had slowed down a bit in the second half, but the game was all in our hands. With Atalanta and Sampdoria I had to watch the game as a spectators and therefore the only thing that I could do is support the team, but the will to be there and help my team –mates was really a lot, therefore tonight I celebrated a lot this goal. I think that this will be the game from where we start again to reach the fourth place. These have been 20 difficult days in which I had to stay out, but now I’m fine and hope in this final part of the season to reach the fourth place. Hearing the Curva sing after my goal always gives a great emotion, really special.”

DANIELE BONERA:

“It’s been a few games that we didn’t manage to win at San Siro and this win pleases me a lot. Personally I always try to put myself available for the coach and the team and I must thank Mauro Tassotti who is a great teacher for me and that when I played in this role he was a great champion. Physically I feel well, at times I do unthinkable things and find the space in a squad where there are great champions like Maldini and Kaladze feels me with pride because it’s difficult and I always try to adapt to the needs of the team.

“During the week, the coach was good to spur us and make us feel calm, and tonight we proved that at Milanello the environment is serene."

FILIPPO INZAGHI:

“The embrace there was between myself and Ricky, following the goal, was dedicated to the entire squad because this group tonight played a great game. Even with the coach we have a really special rapport because he awarded us a lot of emotions. During the week we watched with him the things that didn’t go well and together we were able to improve.

“I was unavailable for one month, but now I’m fine and there are just seven games until the end of the season which will be fundament to reach the fourth place. I’m happy to have played for ninety minutes even though I felt cramps at the end of the game, but at my age, after spending a month away from the playing pitch I’m happy with condition.

“Before the game I was watching our team because nine or ten players from tonight’s team was the same that won at Yokohama the Club World Cup and a Champions League at Athens. We must not forget what we have done.

“On my second goal, Cristian was very good to make the assist. He’s also a great friend. He was exceptional and deserves to have these satisfactions.

“”Next week we shall meet Juve. It will surely be a great game, but even though we will have some important elements in defence missing, we shall go to Turin to win.”

CLARENCE SEEDORF:

“This win is fundamental for the morale, for the entire environment and especially it was important how we won it. I’m very happy for the nice reaction of the team. After their goal we reacted in a positive way, managing to score the third one. It was a great Milan for ninety minutes.

“Tonight I also had the support of the crowd who I wanted to thank with an applause. I know what the fans expect from me and I’m the first one not to be happy when I don’t give my contribution. From my part, I always give my utmost effort.

“Let’s hope that this period of highs and lows is over. Next week we have a great appointment and I’m convinced that we shall face a great Italian derby.”

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Player Ratings: AC Milan 3-1 Cagliari

Carlo Garganese rates the players on show in Milan's 3-1 win over Cagliari at San Siro tonight...

Kalac 4 – Had virtually nothing to do in the first half, but was guilty of a quite horrendous gaffe to allow Daniele Conti to score. This hysterical howler proves that Milan need a new number one for next season.

Bonera 7 – One of the surprises of the night. Bombed up and down the right flank, causing Agostini no end of problems. Troubled a little by Foggia in the second half, but still a very encouraging display.

Maldini 6 – The 39-year-old had his cigar and slippers out in the first 45 minutes, although he was made to work more after the interval.

Kaladze 6 – Similar analysis to that of Maldini. The Georgian picked up a yellow card which will rule him out of next week’s game with Juventus. Alessandro Nesta will also miss the trip to Turin.

Favalli 6 – Defensively had little to do, although he did not contribute too much as an offensive weapon.

Gattuso 6.5 – Never stopped running, Gattuso was biting into tackles, and certainly seemed to find an extra half-a-yard before going off injured.

Pirlo 7.5 – Pirlo has been dreadfully poor recently and has looked extremely tired, however tonight he was back to something approaching his best. Dictated the tempo and created Inzaghi’s first goal.

Ambrosini 7 – Playing in a more defensive role tonight, Ambrosini succeeded in keeping the dangerous Foggia quiet in the first half. Overall an impressive performance.

Seedorf 7 – Occupying his favorite trequartista position, Seedorf played at a much higher tempo tonight, with many classy one-touch passes.

Kaka 8.5 – Back to the kind of form that saw him crowned as European and World Footballer of the Year in 2007. Scored a cracking goal, and was at times unstoppable.

Inzaghi 9 – Rolled back the years tonight with some brilliant movement and two clinical strikes to lead Milan on their way to victory.

Subs - Cafu 6, Brocchi 6.5, Gourcuff N.A

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Kaká Pleased With His Return

Milan midfielder Kaká was back in action for his team on Saturday evening, and it was no coincidence that the rossoneri were back to winning ways as they defeated Cagliari 3-1 at San Siro.

Kaká proved his importance for the Rossoneri on Saturday as he produced a great display to help his side beat the Sardinian outfit in the 32nd matchday of Serie A.

“I’m very happy personally to have managed to score a goal in the last three games I played,” declared the Brazilian. “It’s something that charges me up greatly as it’s always a pleasure.

“Tonight I felt well and managed to do the things I wanted to do,” he continued. “It was a good return.

“With regards to the goal, Pippo [inzaghi] was very good as he allowed me the necessary space to score. It was a nice move.

“We started out well, with the right motivation and different spirit to the previous three games. We had a good first half and only for 15 minutes we slowed down a bit in the second half, but the game was in our hands by then,” he explained.

Spectator Woes

For Kaká, a return to the pitch was long overdue.

He said, “Against Atalanta and Sampdoria I had to watch the game as a spectator and therefore the only thing that I could do is support the team, but my desire to be there and help my team–mates wasoverwhelming.

“Therefore tonight I celebrated this goal as much as I could.”

Kaká believes that this game will be the turning point for Milan in their bid to reach a Champions League spot for next season.

“I think that this will be the game from where we start again to reach the fourth place,” he affirmed.

“These have been 20 difficult days in which I had to stay out, but now I’m fine and hope in this final part of the season to reach fourth place. Hearing the Curva sing after my goal always gives a great emotional feeling, a really special one.”

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Kaka: I’m Very Happy At Milan

Kaka has once again declared his happiness at Milan, while he has also predicted a massive future for team-mate Alexandre Pato.

Happy To Stay

The current European and World Footballer of the Year has endured something of a frustrating campaign due to injury.

With Milan struggling to qualify for next season’s Champions League, there have been fears that top players, like Kaka, may want to leave the club.

“I am very happy here in Milan, but if one day I had to leave I would like to play for another big European team,” he told BBC Sport.

“The biggest clubs are in Italy, England and Spain, so I would have to be in one of those countries, although it is clear that they play differently in these places.”

Pato

Kaka’s compatriot Alexandre Pato has enjoyed a wonderful start to his Milan career, having scored seven goals in 14 league appearances since his debut in January.

“As for Pato, he is an amazing player. But he is very young though at just 18-years-old,” he stated.

“He has an incredible future ahead of him and he can do a lot of things for Milan. He needs to be allowed to grow and to improve without too much pressure on him.”

Champions League

The English Premiership is dominating the Champions League this season, and Kaka believes that one of the four teams left have a great chance of winning the competition.

“Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all excellent and any of them could win it,” he noted.

“I believe that all four English clubs have a great chance of making it all the way to Moscow for the Final in May.

“In the last five or six years, English teams have improved a lot and they are consistently at a high level now. But you can’t rule out the other big clubs still involved, such as Barcelona.”

Capello

Finally, Kaka backed former AC Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello to turn around England's fortunes on the international stage.

"I don't think there is any doubt that Fabio Capello is a very fine manager," he added.

"I believe he can win a lot with the England team in the time he spends as the national team manager."

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Kaka Could Be Called For Olympics – Dunga

Brazil national team coach Dunga has refused to rule out Kaka being called up for this summer’s Olympics.

All teams participating in Beijing are allowed to select three players over the age of 23, and there have been strong calls for Kaka to be chosen for Brazil.

"Nothing has yet been decided,” said Dunga.

“First, we must still build a team with players that are under 23. When we have done this, we'll take care of the three over-age players."

Kaka has said recently that he would be open to playing at the Olympics but any such call-up is likely to cause a club-versus-country row.

The 25-year-old has struggled badly with a troublesome knee injury this season, and Milan would like for him to have an extended rest over the summer.

Furthermore there is a good possibility that Milan may need to participate in the qualifying rounds for the Champions League, which would thus require Kaka’s availability.

The ex-Sao Paolo man was back to something approaching his best at the weekend when he scored and impressed in the 3-1 win over Cagliari.

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Kaka: Cristiano Ronaldo Is The Best

Milan star Kaka believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the world and he has tipped Manchester United to win the Champions League.

The Rossoneri playmaker won the Ballon d’Or and the World Player of the Year last season for his great year with Milan which saw him drag his side to Champions League glory.

Kaka however feels that the Portugal international needs to show more if he is to win the Ballon d’Or and he also believes that Manchester United will win the Champions League.

“Manchester United are playing the best football at the moment, but anything can happen, but for me they are favourites to win the Champions League,” Kaka told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am not surprised that all the English teams are doing well as they have become used to it in Europe.

“There could even be an all-English final and Chelsea could be the team to face off with United as the Blues are used to all the big games.

“It’s also true that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best football in the world at the moment.

“He is world class but to win the Ballon d’Or there are other factors to take into account, the Euros could provide further proof."

Kaka has also opened the San Siro door for both Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres by revealing his fondness for their ability.

“It’s a shame that Messi is injured but I really like him as well as Fernando Torres,” he revealed.

Kaka will no doubt be hoping his side can qualify for the next edition of the Champions League as they are currently a worrying four points off fourth place in the league with just six games left to play.

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JUVENTUS - MILAN

GOALKEEPERS: Dida, Fiori, Kalac,

DEFENDERS: Bonera, Cafu, Digao, Favalli, Maldini, Serginho, Simic,

MIDFIELDERS: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gattuso, Gourcuff, Kakà, Pirlo, Seedorf,

STRIKERS: Gilardino, Inzaghi, Paloschi

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Kaka An Inter Fan This Weekend

Kaka says that he hopes Milan can beat Juventus tonight, and then he will be supporting Inter against Fiorentina.

The Rossoneri are struggling to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and are currently in fifth place, four points behind Fiorentina, who occupy the final qualification position.

This weekend could be pivotal in deciding next season’s European entrants, with Milan travelling to Juventus tonight, and Inter playing host to Fiorentina tomorrow evening.

"I see a Milan who will in Turin, and then an Inter who beat Fiorentina on Sunday so that we are a point behind the Viola,” Kaka told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Brazilian, who has struggled with injury for most of the campaign, has refused to label Milan’s season as a failure.

"I have no regrets,” he said.

“We could have come up against a less strong team [Arsenal] in the second round of the Champions League, but we must accept what happened.

“I would not consider this a negative season. In the championship we can still come fourth and we won two major trophies.”

Milan triumphed in both the European Super Cup last August, as well as the World Club Cup in Japan before Christmas.

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Juventus 3:2 AC Milan - match report

Scorers: Del Piero 12 (J), Inzaghi 14, 31 (M), Salihamidzic 45, 80 (J)

Juventus fought back to defeat Milan 3-2 with Hasan Salihamidzic's brace, but Daniele Bonera's red card for a horror tackle proved decisive.

These two clubs dominated Serie A for two decades and it remained a battle of pride as well as a key game. The Bianconeri needed a victory to make up for last week's 3-2 loss at Palermo, while the Rossoneri knew only a win would keep their Champions League hopes intact. Carlo Ancelotti had to completely revolutionise his defence as Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze were banned, while Marek Jankulovski, Massimo Oddo, Ronaldo and Alexandre Pato had injuries. Pavel Nedved was suspended and Cristiano Zanetti sidelined.

Juve last won this fixture in November 2002 and curiously, Milan had not shared the spoils on their travels since a 1-1 at Catania on February 27, the same weekend as Juve’s last home draw in the goalless Turin derby.

Alessandro Del Piero flashed an angled drive off target, but he opened the scoring on 12 minutes. Mauro Camoranesi beat Giuseppe Favalli and threaded through for Del Piero's right-foot angled drive that trickled past Zeljko Kalac's outstretched leg and into the far corner of the net.

Moments later Inzaghi nearly equalised, as he sprung the offside trap on Favalli's cross and hit the side-netting.

Once again, it was a warning not heeded, as 60 seconds later Super Pippo drew level. Kaka held off Giorgio Chiellini down the left channel and rolled across for Inzaghi to tap in from six yards. This was his first goal against Juve in Turin.

Chiellini nodded a corner over the bar and Zdenek Grygera curled off target, while Buffon smothered a Kaka effort that bounced just in front of him.

Del Piero wasted a great counter-attack when he tried to dribble a little too long and was crowded out by Rossoneri shirts. Clarence Seedorf's wayward cross turned into a very dangerous lob that Buffon tipped on to the crossbar!

The resulting corner was not cleared effectively and allowed Milan to go 2-1 up. Daniele Bonera sprung the offside trap and smartly rolled across to Inzaghi, who was behind the line of the ball for a tap-in from eight yards. Before last week Inzaghi had scored just one Serie A goal all season, but this was his fourth in two games.

The Rossoneri had another wonderful scoring opportunity with Kaka's cracking right-foot volley spilled by Buffon and the World Cup winning goalkeeper just about scrambled the loose ball off the feet of Inzaghi.

However, Juventus made it 2-2 on the stroke of half-time. Del Piero dispossessed Paolo Maldini with a sneaky tackle and Camoranesi chopped a cross for David Trezeguet's header, which Kalac parried into the path of Hasan Salihamidzic.

The drama still wasn't over, as 30 seconds later Gennaro Gattuso's lob forced Buffon into a fingertip save.

After the restart Dario Simic slipped and was still able to intercept Del Piero's pass for Trezeguet. Nicola Legrottaglie limped off with a sprained knee and made way for Guglielmo Stendardo.

Grygera almost scored the goal of the season as he unleashed an extraordinary right-foot rocket from 34 metres that Kalac had to fingertip round the post.

Maldini's sliding tackle dispossessed Camoranesi at the byeline after he had overcome Simic. Bonera needed a glancing header to tip Sissoko's cross off the head of Stendardo from six yards, doing just enough to put the Juve defender off.

There was controversy on 66 minutes. Seedorf was furious that Camoranesi did not receive a booking for a stamp, but as soon as play resumed Bonera received a straight red card for a horrible studs-up challenge right on Sissoko's shin. It really was a leg-breaker tackle that risked serious injury to the former Liverpool midfielder. Fortunately, Sissoko was able to continue after several minutes of treatment.

Carlo Ancelotti had to balance out the side and threw on Marcos Cafu for Inzaghi. It seemed to work, as the Brazilian veteran was brought down by Camoranesi on the right channel for a poor Andrea Pirlo free kick.

Trezeguet made way for Vincenzo Iaquinta, so Ranieri did not risk the trident even against 10 men. Maldini charged down a Grygera counter, but there was further controversy 10 minutes from time. Maldini was very harshly penalised for a shoulder against shoulder challenge with Grygera and from that Camoranesi free kick Salihamidzic was allowed a totally free header.

Milan poured forward looking for the equaliser and this left space at the back for Del Piero to flash a counter off target, while Alberto Gilardino replaced Gattuso.

Buffon smothered a Cafu snapshot and Massimo Ambrosini moved up the field as a striker, but at the other end Del Piero's volley hit Kalac's outstretched foot in a one-on-one situation. Seedorf earned a free kick five minutes into stoppages and even Kalac went up, but Juve held on for the victory.

Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie (Stendardo 51), Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi (Nocerino 90), Tiago, Sissoko, Salihamidzic; Del Piero, Trezeguet (Iaquinta 78)

Milan: Kalac; Bonera, Simic, Maldini, Favalli; Gattuso (Gilardino 83), Pirlo (Brocchi 89), Ambrosini; Kakà, Seedorf; Inzaghi (Cafu 69)

Ref: Rocchi

Sent off: Bonera 66 (M)