Ricardo Kaka has admitted that his unsuccessful stint at Real Madrid saw him ‘lose a little desire’ for the game, which he now hopes to recover with Milan.
The 31-year-old this week completed a return to the Italian side on a free transfer, four years on from having been sold by the Rossoneri to Los Blancos for €65m.
In being officially presented to the media today, the Brazilian reflected on how things didn’t really work out in the Spanish capital.
“It wasn’t Jose Mourinho’s fault that I left Real Madrid,” began Kaka, in reference to the perception that the Portuguese may have contributed to the player’s decline.
“It wasn’t his fault – he actually made me stronger. I looked to give my best for him in these years, making sure I was always at his disposal. Unfortunately I wasn’t always fit and that didn’t help.
“It was a good personal experience for me in Madrid, less so professionally. But it was a spell which helped me to grow, I matured a lot.
“I don’t regret the years in the Real shirt, but, seeing how things went, I did lose a little desire to play. The decision to leave was taken after speaking with Carlo Ancelotti.
“I didn’t play with continuity, partly because of the injuries, partly because of the competition for places.
“I want to play regularly at Milan, that was what I based my decision on. I will re-find the joy of playing football here. My desire was Milan.”
Kaka outlined his ambition in beginning this second stint with Milan.
“Milan are amongst the seven biggest clubs in Europe and we must therefore try to win all competitions.
“Milan can do well in Italy and in Europe. We have a lot of champions who are used to certain pressures. I’m used to a winning Milan.
“It is a new situation for me though. I now have a different role here, to help the youngsters here as I was helped by great champions in the past.
“I’m a trequartista, but I’ll play wherever the Coach wants me for the good of the team. Mario Balotelli and I can work well together.
“Mario is doing some great things here, as he has for all the teams he has played for. But there is not just Mario, we have Alessandro Matri, Robinho, Giampaolo Pazzini, Stephan El Shaarawy. They are all great players.
“I need to find some consistency again, but I’m physically ready to play. These days have been special because my life is here.
“Being at Milanello today, it is as if I have never been away.”
