Kaka determined to make mark in final
Kaka is determined to win the Champions League final against Liverpool, not just to write himself into AC Milan’s history books but also to stop his team-mates talking about Milan’s success against Juventus in the 2003 final.
The Brazilian playmaker, who has been chosen for his clean-cut looks by Italian designer Giorgio Armani as a model for one of his brands, is one of the few Rossoneri players who was not part of the side that lifted the trophy at Old Trafford two years ago having only signed for Milan a few months later.
Kaka’s colleagues still talk about their victory over Juve, which they clinched in a penalty shoot-out, and that has only made Kaka eager to get a taste of it himself when Milan meet Rafael Benitez’s outfit in Istanbul on May 25.
“I have heard so many wonderful stories from my team-mates about the game in Manchester and I just hope that we can repeat that achievement in Turkey,” he said, speaking at the club’s Milanello training camp at Carnago.
“This is the most important game of my life. I want to become a part of Milan’s history and in order to do that I have to help my team win the cup in Istanbul and I will do everything to lift the trophy.”
Despite being the youngest of Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan squad, he has been one of their most influential players over the past two seasons and, should Milan be successful in Turkey, Kaka is likely to have made a major contribution.
The 23-year-old is still shocked by how fast his professional career has developed, as only two years have passed since he left Brazilian giants Sao Paulo for the San Siro.
“I am very proud,” said Kaka. “For me this is a great opportunity, I am aware of how lucky I am at my age to be able to get to a Champions League final and to be able to play for Milan.”
But if many fans were shocked by Milan’s decision to sign an unknown midfielder, they were soon captivated by the player’s athleticism, his creativity in attack and the confidence he showed playing for one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
In his first season in Serie A, Kaka delighted the fans and terrified rival defences to help Milan clinch the Scudetto and take the award of best newcomer in Italy’s top flight.
Continuing that good work into the current campaign has been a difficult challenge for Kaka, although you would not guess that from looking at his statistics.
Alongside Brazilian goalkeeper Dida and captain Paolo Maldini, Kaka has been one of the most consistent figures in Ancelotti’s side, having made 35 out of a possible 36 appearances in Serie A and scoring seven goals, while also playing in all 12 of Milan’s Champions League encounters.
“There were a lot of expectations placed on me at the start of this campaign,” he said.
“I knew that this season was going to be more difficult from that point of view but I am happy with my performances, I always try to give my best and help the team win.”
Kaka believes it will be an even game against Liverpool despite many pundits making Milan favourites.
“In this competition there are simply no favourites,” he added.
“Liverpool merit their final place just as we do because they, like us, have proved to be better than their rivals and no-one can diminish that achievement just because Real Madrid, Barcelona or Chelsea haven’t made it this far.”
Ancelotti believes the final could be decided in a penalty shoot-out, just as it was in 2003, and although Kaka hopes the same scenario will not be repeated, he will be prepared nonetheless.
“I don’t think any player likes the idea of a title having to be decided from the penalty spot,” he said.
“But this is part of our job and if it comes to penalties, I will have to do my part and hope that the ball finds the net.”
