Kaka has claimed that Real Madrid made him a “tougher” person after explaining how he came to terms with his lack of fitness and form.
The midfielder’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu was hampered by a succession of injuries and an inability to cement a regular place in Jose Mourinho’s plans.
However, having quickly conceded that he had no “control” over his predicaments, the 32-year-old says he developed a thick skin and maintained a healthy relationship with the Coach.
“Of course there were difficult times, but I learned from them and was in a good place on and off the pitch,” he said in an interview with Marca.
“It’s true that things didn’t go as the fans and I planned, so I wish that everything had gone differently [in that respect].
“I lacked continuity at Madrid, firstly because of injuries and then, once I recovered, the Coach’s decision [Jose Mourinho] meant I lacked continuity.
“They were two factors that marked my time at Real Madrid, but ultimately I played more than 120 matches and scored almost 30 goals, one every four games.
“I went through difficult moments because things didn’t go as I wanted and as people expected, but my time at Real Madrid helped me in life.
“I became tougher psychologically and overcame some things that I wasn’t used to in my career.
“In the end, I realised that there were things that couldn’t be controlled in football. I can assure you that I gave everything for Real Madrid and worked hard but could not control my injuries or the Coach’s decision to give me minutes.
“These are things that ultimately weren’t under my control, but the thrill of playing for a club like Real Madrid and at a stadium like the [Santiago] Bernabeu comes before all that.
“I wasn’t mistreated because I quickly understood how things went in Spain and Real Madrid and that I wouldn’t be the player to change [how things worked]. I adapted to the situation.
“I heard things that weren’t true on many occasions, but I couldn’t convince the fans that was the case, except those who I worked with on a daily basis. People who worked with me at Real Madrid know who I am and what I did to make things right.
“The pressure from the Press is immense, and so too from the fans. They have booed Cristiano Ronaldo in the past and still do.
“It’s incredible, given what he’s doing is impressive, historic. They’ve also booed Iker [Casillas], [Zinedine] Zidane and [the Brazilian] Ronaldo.
“It’s part of Madrid’s culture and very difficult to change. I didn’t feel mistreated, however.
“In fact, I only have words of thanks for the Madrid fans. Down the street, everybody was very kind and respectful to me. I had some great years in Spain.”
“[Jose Mourinho] was always very professional and I respected his decisions. We didn’t have a bad relationship.
“It’s true that there were things we disagreed on, but I had no choice but to keep working hard and that’s what I did.
“In the end, what was rewarding for me were the words he said when we both left Madrid. He said I was an excellent professional, and so did Florentino [Perez].
“In that sense, I hope the fans remember me that way. I did everything possible to succeed in Madrid.”
