Kaka: Shy demeanour hides winning determiniation
Reuters - Monday 08 June 2009, 23:06
MILAN - Kaka defies the model of a modern footballer and the Galactico tag will not entirely suit him after his move from AC Milan to Real Madrid.
The devoted Christian largely avoids celebrity parties and does not worry too much about his image, expressing himself on the pitch with his mesmeric skill and driving runs.
Concentrating on his technique helped the 27-year-old win the Ballon d'Or and FIFA world player award in 2007 after his 10 goals helped Milan to their seventh European Cup triumph.
Kaka, who joined the Rossoneri from Sao Paulo as a youngster in 2003, became synonymous with the club but cracks began to appear after they only finished fifth in Serie A in 2008 and limped in third this season.
Unlike most of his peers, he managed to turn down under-achieving Manchester City's mega offer in January but the might of Madrid has always appealed.
Milan acknowledged two years ago that his father had held talks with the Spanish side and the rumours of a future move have never gone away.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
He said he would remain at the San Siro as long as they had the same goals as him but two recent developments changed the situation.
Florentino Perez's return as Real president fuelled expectations of a return to the glittering Galacticos era while the departure to Chelsea of Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, a mentor for Kaka, hit the Brazilian hard.
"He made me become great. It was him that opened the doors of the world to me," Kaka said before compatriot Leonardo was named the new Milan boss last week.
His form this season was hampered by a series of niggles and he was slightly put out by having to change his position to accommodate the arrival of Ronaldinho.
Kaka had already begun to show a more ruthless streak, despite his shy persona.
He was allowed to miss Brazil's Copa America victory in 2007 in order to rest.
There had been other signs that being one of the world's best players was starting to make him more self-aware.
Kaka has featured in more adverts and magazine shoots, one talking openly about virginity. He also said he wants to be an evangelical pastor after retiring from football.
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