Blog: In the boots of Kaka

Kaka has decided to stay at Milan after what Giancarlo Rinaldi expects was a moral rollercoaster

It is hard to contemplate the turmoil Ricky Kaka must have been going through over the past few days. The superficial might say that they would have liked to have had such a multi-million pound headache. But, for a sensitive and deeply religious young man, these were troubling times.

The 26-year-old, who proudly boasts “I Belong to Jesus”, is not a natural resident of the limelight. While his talents have granted him superstar status he does not carry the swagger of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He must have been ill at ease with his potential financial future being splashed all over the papers.

As an Athlete of Christ, he surely must have faced enormous internal conflict. How can you square the massive sums you might earn from the game with the plight of countless others around the globe? After all, £100m or so could go an awful long way to help millions of people who live in poverty.

Of course, it is not the Milan man who is suggesting he is worth such money. Manchester City’s new mega-rich owners are ready to throw their financial clout about in the most lavish manner. There is plenty to debate about the morality of such spending during a worldwide economic slowdown. How much longer can football remain in its little bubble, apparently floating above such issues?

I admit, Kaka’s decision was not one that I envied – nor one I am ever likely to face. Imagine in your own line of work being head-hunted by an ambitious company with a wage offer beyond your wildest dreams. The only drawback is that the business in question is of much lesser standing than your current employer. And there is a risk it may always be so, leaving you in a job backwater. I think you would want plenty of guarantees before jumping ship.

What muddies the waters still further is that Milan appeared inclined to accept a big money offer. They may protest to the contrary, but you get the feeling they would have liked such cash in their coffers. All of which, quite frankly, is enough to make anybody’s head spin.

This perhaps illustrates why I at least don't particularly like Fox Soccer Channel.

So I made a point last night of watching Sky Sports News (broadcast at 7pm my time) and Fox Soccer Report (broadcast at 10).

Sky News had the story as their top news item. They showed pictures of Kaka on his balcony holding up the jersey, had interviews with tifosi, with City supporters, etc. The general tone of their coverage was 'fair play to Kaka, he loves Milan and it's nice to see someone not going for the money'.

Fox Soccer relegated their coverage to the second half hour after going on in detail about the Everton-Liverpool game and then reviewing the entire weekend's EPL games, with highlights. Their comment was 'surprised he's not going to the EPL, City were offering him a good deal'.

This perhaps illustrates why I at least don't particularly like Fox Soccer Channel. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Oh well...like Audi and Lamborghini I guess.

I was surprised when i read Uefa.com news , they write about this as Berlusconi, Milan and Kaka are second rate things , even they dont mention what Kaka did, and a BUTCHER club MAN CITY is the whole world , shame and shame on you Uefa.com :



Bellamy joins City, Kaká stays at Milan
Monday 19 January 2009e-mailPrintDiggSave

Craig Bellamy had been in fine form for West Ham (©Getty Images)
Manchester City FC signed the Wales forward Craig Bellamy from West Ham United FC for an undisclosed fee on Monday but have ended their pursuit of AC Milan playmaker Kaká following transfer talks in Italy.

Previous clubs
The 29-year-old passed a medical on Monday before penning a four-and-a-half year contract at Eastlands. Bellamy joined West Ham United FC from Liverpool FC in July 2007 and went on to score seven goals in 24 Premier League games over two injury-hit campaigns. Bellamy has also played for Norwich City FC, Coventry City FC, Newcastle United FC, Celtic FC and Blackburn Rovers FC, where he enjoyed a productive 2005/06 season under current City manager Mark Hughes.

Attitude praised
Hughes said: "I am delighted to be working with Craig once more. He is an outstanding player who provides us with qualities that we are lacking slightly. He has blistering pace, bags of enthusiasm, a superb attitude to training and will be a great addition to the squad." City have also signed Chelsea FC left-back Wayne Bridge for a significant fee ahead of next month's UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against FC København.

'Great man'
Meanwhile, Kaká will not be joining Bellamy and Bridge in England as City "felt that it was unlikely that the two parties could reach common ground for an agreement" following talks with Milan. The Italian club's owner, Silvio Berlusconi, added on Monday night: "I'm very happy to keep a great champion on the pitch and a great man at Milan."

OMG !!! KAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKA !!!!!!!
My eyes where watery all morning after reading the news !!! Sentiments weighed more than the millions that were waved at him !!

You're late. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) This is old news now, hehe!

So that makes me the windshield or the bug ?

It makes you the guy who has to clean up the mess on the windshield.