Kaka bites back at critics

Milan star Kaka insists that the Rossoneri deserve to be praised rather than criticised for their campaign.

The Rossoneri have only qualified for the preliminaries of next season’s Champions League after their struggles in Serie A.

And some have again asked whether the Calciopoli hit club should have been allowed entry into Europe after reaching the Champions League Final.

“Milan have been criticised heavily this season,” said Kaka after picking up an award on Monday night.

“Not only have we been attacked for the lone striker system adopted by the Coach, but basically for everything.

“However, we have reached the Champions League Final against Liverpool and I believe everyone should admit that we have done very well,” added the Brazilian.

“Our first objective, to reach next year’s preliminaries, has been reached. Now we are missing the second one.”

The Rossoneri’s appearance in the Champions League decider on May 23 will be a record 25th by an Italian team.

The six-time European champions will be hoping to avenge the 2005 loss in Istanbul, when they ended up losing on penalties after Liverpool’s incredible comeback from a 3-0 half-time deficit.

Kaka eyes place in history

Milan star Kaka says he wants to win the Champions League and the Golden Ball. “I want a place in the club’s history.”

The Brazilian is ready for the big match at the Athens Olympic Stadium and hopes to repay the faith shown in him by his teammates, who consider him the key to their success.

“If I win the Champions League I can become one of the leading candidates for the Golden Ball and I can write my name in Milan’s history,” said Kaka on Thursday.

“I am glad to know that my teammates appreciate me, the fact that they consider me decisive is a victory, it means that I am held in high esteem,” added the 25-year-old.

“In any case, I believe that a player alone cannot win, the entire team is important.”

The Rossonero also believes that they must be wary of Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, who he thinks will be one of the most dangerous players on the pitch.

“He is a leader, he runs, defends and is a driving force for his side,” explained Kaka.

“However, just as for Milan, the entire Liverpool team’s performance will be important, one player will not be enough,” concluded the attacking midfielder.

Kaka calm in eye of the storm

On the way to the photography studio where I'm scheduled to meet Kaká, I pass two billboards featuring the AC Milan star. In one he is dressed stylishly in suit and tie, in the other the clothes are more casual. We are in Zona Tortona, the trendy district dubbed the Soho of Milan because of its bars, galleries and fashion showrooms. Thirty seconds into our conversation it is obvious why stylists compete to have his clean face and gentle smile endorse their products.

Humble

When Kaká married his wife Caroline 18 months ago, Milan president Silvio Berlusconi declared he was "the husband every parent would like their daughter to have". A part-time model off the pitch, he has been a model of consistency on it, dominating the UEFA Champions League this season. His competition-leading ten goals have driven AC Milan to another final against Liverpool FC, but Kaká has not let his achievements go to his head. Deeply religious, the attacking midfielder remains one of the most humble figures in football. The word revenge is not part of his vocabulary.

'More experienced'

"The final against Liverpool is not about revenge," he told uefa.com. "Two years ago they won and that's it. We're just focusing on this new final. It's a great opportunity to write my name and the club's in the history of the competition. In a final anything can happen, we know it better than anybody after that game in Istanbul." Kaká was superb in the 2005 final, wresting the game from Liverpool in a mesmerising first half with his darting runs and pinpoint passing.

Liverpool challenge

Two years on another English side has witnessed Kaká at his best. He scored twice against Manchester United FC in the first leg of their semi-final, then put on a show for the adoring Rossoneri supporters at San Siro. The 25-year-old opened the scoring and drove Milan forward all night, the United midfield never coming to grips with his pace or vision as he exploited space in front of the visitors' back four. "Liverpool will probably be more difficult to face than Manchester United," Kaká reflects. "They are more focused on cutting down space while United play great football but also let you play. Liverpool are very organised and have a great coach. We know [Rafael] Benítez and [steven] Gerrard really well but Liverpool are not about individuals, they are a very good side overall. Still if I have to choose one player, I would go for Gerrard. He is a leader, a point of reference for them."

'Work hard'

Just as Kaká is for Milan. The conduit of their best moves on the pitch, he has also become the focus off it. The patience and attention with which he deals with constant demands on his time from press and fans alike suggests he will not be letting success go to his head. He has been in the form of his life, but insists “there is room for improvement, there are many things to learn. I leave comparisons with other players to journalists and coaches, I only want to work hard to become a better player. Finishing as top scorer was never my objective. I'm not a forward, I'm more a playmaker but as long as my goals help Milan win games I'm happy."

'Focus'

As 23 May approaches, those goals have given Milan every reason for confidence. "The Champions League has always been our main focus. We started well, then we had a bad period, but now we're back at our peak at the most important part of the season." Not even a specialist in penalty-saving like Pepe Reina gives cause for concern. "I'm only thinking about positive things and I scored a penalty in Istanbul as well so I'm prepared to take one again. Liverpool have won some important games on penalties but I'm sure they don't want that again. No team plays for penalties."

'Very happy'

The bond between Milan and Kaká is strong, too strong to let constant transfer talk linking him with Real Madrid CF disrupt the relationship. "This club is like a family. I feel at home here which is very important for me. The rumours about Madrid do not disturb me. I have a contract with Milan until 2011 and I will move only if they want to sell me." Things might have been very different for the former São Paulo FC player who first moved to Europe in 2003. "I didn't pick Milan, Milan picked me. I could have joined Chelsea [FC] but they wanted to send me on loan to Russia while Milan had faith in me immediately. Looking back, I'm very happy with what destiny had in store for me." Another important date with destiny is fast approaching.

Kaka: I want to make history

In September 2000, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite dived into a swimming pool that was not deep enough, cracked his spine and was considered fortunate not to be left paralysed for life. During the long road to recovery, he made a list of 11 things he wanted to achieve in his life. Now only one remains unfulfilled. On Wednesday night in Athens, he will have a chance to put that right.

Ahead of a UEFA Champions League final reunion with Liverpool, the Brazilian, better known as Kaka, who is the top scorer in this season's competition, tells FIFA.com about the importance of his religious faith, how he has improved as a player this season, why the best is yet to come, and how he plans to fulfil his destiny and help AC Milan become continental champions for a seventh time.

FIFA.com: You are not the only footballer to talk openly about a belief in God, but it appears that for you it is especially central to your life?

Kaka: During my upbringing the Bible played a big role. The gospel is very important for me, not only as a person but also as a footballer. It's part of me and my existence, but of course working hard and training intensively are also important - we all have to do that. But whenever the impossible becomes possible, then my belief and faith in God helps me. That is something I know for sure.

You now seem much better able to cope with the physical aspects of the game than when you first came to Europe. Is that something you have had to do a lot of work on?

I've been doing extra workouts to become stronger. At my last club Sao Paulo I began with power training and at Milan I continued and now I'm physically in great shape for football at this level. So even after a long season with lots of matches, I don't feel tired.

That must be a real advantage with the UEFA Champions League final coming up?

Being perfectly honest we never thought we'd be champions of Italy after the eight-point deduction, so we just wanted to make sure that we finished third or fourth to enable us to play in the Champions League next season. In that respect, we have been more focused on the European matches.

AC Milan went through a sticky patch during the winter, but overall this has been a great season for the team and it seems as if you have been preparing to peak at the right time.

That's a fair analysis, but we didn't plan it that way. Though of course we are happy that we are now at our strongest at a point where we will have to play the biggest match of our campaign.

And your own form has been exceptional, especially in the Champions League.

I think that I can still improve but I do feel that I'm playing better than before. It's difficult to pin down the specific aspects that I can still improve, but I feel that you can always become better. I aim to show that this is possible next season.

Another AC Milan player who has been in exceptional form is Clarence Seedorf. You seem to have struck up a terrific partnership in midfield.

For Milan, it's essential that Clarence plays and when he does he performs well at the highest level. Against Bayern Munich he played a super game, and he was also fantastic against Manchester United. If you can do that, then you're a big player.

Do you regard Wednesday's final as a revenge match, given Milan's defeat at the hands of Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final?

No, that's not the case. Liverpool beat us then and apparently they had the right to win the title then. So now we have to show that we have the right to claim the prize. I'm focused only on winning the match and it has nothing to do with revenge. I want to make history by making sure that my name and the name of my club AC Milan are remembered as winners of the 2006/2007 Champions League. We have put all past matches behind us, as it doesn't help to analyse where it went wrong. That's pointless. The only thing that encounter proved is that, in football, everything is possible. We now have two years more experience and have played numerous top-level matches since then; that's something we will benefit from, particularly the younger players like me.

Carlo Ancelotti has said he will do everything possible to avoid a penalty shootout. Presumably that is a sentiment that you share?

I can understand that. This season I've already missed one against Fiorentina, and though I scored in the last final against Liverpool, the result still went against us. I can't believe that any team would be happy about, or plan for, a penalty shootout. Okay, Liverpool beat Chelsea that way (in this season's semi-finals) but I'm sure they would have preferred to have done so in normal time. I've seen Liverpool regularly this season and I think that they're a very good team. Tactically, they are almost perfect and the coaching is very good. On top of that they have a typical English spirit.

Which Liverpool players have impressed you most?

Steven Gerrard is without a doubt the big organiser and animator. If he was not in the team on Wednesday I would be very happy.

You are the top scorer in this season's competition with ten goals. That is a very good return for an attacking midfielder.

Scoring goals isn't my target. I am and always will be the playmaker. But of course it's nice to have scored so many. During the final I'm only concerned with winning and certainly not with who scores for us.

Turning to speculation regarding your future, it has been reported that Real Madrid remain interested in you. Would a move to Spain interest you?

I often get asked this question, but as long as I play for Milan, I always give the same answer: I have a contract until 2011 and I'll respect that contract. If Milan say they want to sell me, then and only then will I think about leaving.

Your younger brother Digao is also in Italy now, playing for Rimini in Serie B. And between AC and Inter Milan, there are nine other Brazilians playing in the city. Does that make it feel something of a home from home?

Of course that helps immensely (having my brother here). As for the Brazilian players who play for Inter, naturally we're all aware of the rivalry between the clubs but that doesn't affect us, as we're all friends. Away from football we see one another frequently. If some of us play in a different shirt that isn't important; it doesn't matter when you're friends.

AC Milan's vice president Adriano Galliano recently said he would like Andriy Shevchenko to return to the San Siro. Shevchenko is due to be in Athens to watch you play on Wednesday. Would you like to have him back in the side?

I know that it will be difficult for him seeing his friends playing while he is only able to watch from the stand. But I'm happy that we don't have him as an opponent as Andriy is still a very good footballer. I'd be very pleased to see him come back to Milan again, but I've got no say in that decision.

There has been talk of Ronaldinho coming to AC Milan. Is that something that you would welcome?

If they could get him, I'd be very happy. Ronaldinho is the best of them all and for the club he'd be a fantastic addition. We have a good relationship and we speak often. So for me, he can come any time. Just think about it. It would be fantastic if we had a team with Ronaldinho, Shevchenko and Ronaldo. Like everyone else I want to play with the best players.

He's so cute.

Thx Luno. =)

You're welcome Vanezinha

Kaka eyes Cup glory

Milan star Kaka can’t wait to take on Liverpool in the Champions League Final. “I want to get my hands on that trophy,” he underlined.

The Rossoneri will play in their 11th European Cup decider on Wednesday, in a repeat of the 2005 Istanbul Final, and hope to win their seventh title at the Olympic Stadium in Athens.

“We are optimistic about the game, even if we will play against a team who is also in a very good moment in the tournament,” said Kaka to uefa.com.

“There will be no space for mistakes and I hope this is finally the time in which I can put my hands on that Cup.”

Kaka is the competition’s top scorer this term with 10 goals, but he has only one target to achieve tomorrow night.

“Winning is more important than finishing as the top scorer, although it would make things even more special in the event that Milan have the last laugh.

“Winning trophies is always my biggest motivation.”

Much of the pre-match talk has revolved around the word ‘revenge’ because of the dramatic Final defeat two years ago, but the former Sao Paulo ace is concentrating on what might happen next.

“It would be impossible for people not to mention Istanbul, but if there is anybody who is not crying over spilled milk then it’s me,” explained the Brazilian.

“As much as there are some bad memories from that game in 2005, I am always living the present, not the past.

“That is why I don’t think our celebrations after the second game of the semi-final against Manchester United had much to do with some kind of revenge wish,” continued the 25-year-old.

“The players were just excited with the great achievement of reaching the Final. It’s a different moment from 2005.

“We have changed some players, what hasn’t changed is our wish to lift the trophy. For me it would be a magic moment and I am really looking forward to the game in Athens.”

Kaká's postcard from Athens

Kaká is looking forward to the UEFA Champions League final and the dream "magic moment" of lifting the European Champion Clubs' Cup for the first time. The uefa.com diarist, with ten goals in the competition this season, is well aware though that Liverpool FC are a "European powerhouse" and expects a difficult encounter when the world's gaze turns to the Athens Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night.

It would be impossible for people not to mention Istanbul now that AC Milan and Liverpool are again in the UEFA Champions League final, but if there is anybody who is not crying over spilled milk, it's me. As much as there are some bad memories from that game in 2005, I am always living the present, not the past. Which is why I find it a bit funny when asked if our celebrations at San Siro after the second game of the semi-final against Manchester United [FC] had more to do with some kind of revenge wish. The players were just excited with the fantastic achievement of reaching the final. Liverpool players were as euphoric as we were the day before, when they beat Chelsea [FC].

It's a different moment from 2005. AC Milan have changed some players but I don't think it necessarily means our 2007 vintage is better. What hasn't changed is our wish to lift the trophy. For me it would be a magic moment and I am really looking forward to the game in Athens. I feel good, especially after the game against Manchester United, which was one of my best in an AC Milan shirt. It's a thrill when you can help your team win a game of such magnitude. I don't agree, however, that United were the most problematic English team we could face. Although they play in a very Brazilian way and are very skilful, Liverpool's tactical game is quite dangerous.

They are also a powerhouse in European football history and work pretty hard as a group. Talent is really important in football, but it's a collective game that underpins it. I admire players like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who give themselves to the team. It's always tricky and hard to face opponent with this "never-give-in" attitude. Having said that, I can say we also have athletes with that profile at AC Milan. My friend Gennaro Gattuso is a good example. He fires up everybody, from the players to the crowd with his dedication and passion for the game.

We are optimistic about the game. It's a final against a team who are also in a very good moment in the competition. There will be no space for mistakes and I just hope this is finally the time in which I can put my hands on that cup. This is more important than finishing as the competition top scorer, although it would make things even more special in the event that AC Milan have the last laugh. Winning trophies is always my biggest motivation.

Schuster: Kaka can be 'new Zidane' at Real Madrid

tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

Getafe coach Bernd Schuster says AC Milan ace Kaka could do a job for Real Madrid similar to former star Zinedine Zidane.

Schuster, who has been linked with the Real coaching post, told AS: "Kaka plays where everything happens, he is not an average attacking midfielder and he doesn't have to defend because he has Rino Gattuso for that - this frees him to be more creative.

"His ability to score and create goals, to surprise, makes him the most important player in any team. At Madrid he would play similar to Zidane in his final years, between the midfield and attack. He is almost just like the Frenchman.

"Yes, in Madrid he would be superb."

Capitano crowns golden Kaka

Milan captain Paolo Maldini has proposed teammate Kaka as the “ideal candidate” to win the Ballon d’Or.

The legend was asked of his chances of winning the prestigious trophy for the first time in his career.

“If I haven’t won it up until now, I can’t imagine getting it in 2007,” smiled Maldini in the Press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League Final.

“But these considerations are irrelevant, frankly, as Ricardo absolutely deserves it. I recommend a vote for him to all the jurors – Kaka deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else.”

The Brazilian is the hot favourite to take the trophy assigned by ‘France Football’ and Europe’s top sports journalists, but his odds will be shortened even further if he helps to beat Liverpool in Athens.

“I have always done well against English sides,” said Kaka. “If we play the way we did against Manchester United at San Siro, then it will be difficult to stop us. Thanks to examples like Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta, there is always the desire to win and Milan never feel sated.”

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez said that he will not change his tactical system to control Kaka and that suits the Champions League top scorer right down to the ground.

“In Europe no opponent has man-marked me yet and I think that will be the case again tomorrow. I went so close to winning the trophy two years ago, so tomorrow I hope to write a page in the history of this club.”