Kaka heads West as he joins Real Madrid

Nearly 2 years after I wrote my first blog entry, ‘Is Kaka going to Real’, the Brazilian is heading West to Spain from AC Milan in Italy. Well, as one of the many fans of this amazingly gifted playmaker, I only hope his performance doesn’t head south after joining Madrid. I do have a sly smile while writing this, as I had mentioned in my first post 2 years ago, that if Kaka wanted to move to Real for the challenge of playing in a different league with a different team… my gut feeling says he should wait for another 2-3 seasons... after all he was only 25! My fortelling was fruitful, as here he is, finally, making that big switch. Being a Milan supporter, I wouldn’t say I’m happy seeing one of my favourite players leave, but at least the inevitable happened after quite a delay. Moreover, watching Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandes and Andres Iniesta dictate the play in innumerable games, one would say, Madrid desperately needed a player of high calibre and skill to combat the Catalan’s dynamic duo. And, who better than Kaka? Madrid are also hoping to steal World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo, their answer to Barca’s Lionel Messi. I know many would argue that the diminutive Argentine is a far better player than the flamboyant Portuguese, but that is altogether a different story, and I would leave that discussion, perhaps for another day. For now, it’s Kaka all the way.

Incidentally, Milan had thwarted Madrid’s attempt to sign Kaka the last time, but on this occasion, the lure of money got to the club that has been running in losses in recent times. The mid-fielder’s claim that he was happy at the San Siro and wanted to extend his stay did little to deter his pursuers and the pursers of the deal. The reported 68 million Euros splurged by Real to finally land their prized signing, albeit short of the 100 million Euros offered by the richest club, Manchester City, last season, still stands as one of the richest deal in the history of football. After losing their inspirational skipper Paolo Maldini to retirement and manager Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea, this is another setback to the prospects of the seven time European Champions.

A new era is now waiting to dawn upon the Italian heavyweights, and it’ll do them a world of good to spend this hefty amount of money judiciously in buying young players, and infusing a fresh lease of life and energy in the squad. There have been signs of a decline but true champions overcome adversities and more to shine. Here’s wishing Kaka and Milan a lot of success.

Picture Courtesy: www.oleole.com