Kaka: I’m not finished yet

Ricky Kaka has made clear his determination and willingness to stay at Real Madrid and fight for the chance to become ‘a major player again’.

The Brazilian has been a regular on the substitutes’ bench this season under Jose Mourinho, but is in contention to feature in tomorrow’s League Clasico at home to Barcelona.

“No-one has made me feel like a player who is past it. It has been an uncomfortable situation for me, but I know what I can still do in football,” began Kaka, in attending Madrid’s pre-match Press conference today.

“It might be a good opportunity for me to show, in the big games, that I can still do important things for the team. If I play tomorrow, it will be a good opportunity for me.

“And then against Manchester United? For the times I have been there, for the goals I have scored and for the importance of the match it is special for me.

“I do not know what will happen on Tuesday, but the important thing is the Clasico tomorrow. On Tuesday we will see who plays and who does not.

“I have two years left on my contract, which for me would be without any problem, but I do not want to be a burden on the club.

“If we see that for the club and for me that it is best for me to leave, then I will.

“Being a substitute is not easy. I have 11 years as a professional player. Seven or eight have been as a regular with my club and with the national team. With the injuries and becoming a ‘normal’ player, it has not been easy.

“I would like to do more with Madrid, but I understand the decision. There are players that are good, it’s hard to change things. I respect those who are playing. I try every day to again be a major player.”

The 30-year-old was speaking ahead of Madrid’s home League Clasico with Barcelona, who they have just defeated at the Camp Nou in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.

“Tuesday’s game gave us a lot of confidence. Beating Barca is always good for us. The team are confident and we have to get three points tomorrow, to cut the lead from 16 to 13.

“We know that 16 points are many. We are just thinking about tomorrow’s game. Every game we think of cutting the points. If we can pass Atletico then that would be great too. Being second.

“We do not think about if Barca are in a crisis or not, though. We believe in what we have to do. We have to win a match against Barcelona and then against Manchester United.

“We are a team that has shown we can beat anyone and that has left us with a positive feeling.

“It was a disappointment not to have played on Tuesday. We must always respect the Coach’s decisions. He always things of what is best for Real Madrid.

“The players did very well and I will continue to take advantage of the opportunities that I do get.”

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