DESPITE COSTING REAL MADRID more than €65 million when he signed in 2009, the Spanish giants have allowed Brazilian forward Kaká return to his former club AC Milan on a free transfer.
The 2007 world player of the year announced late last month that he wanted to leave Madrid, believing his playing opportunities would be limited under new Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Talks between the two clubs were instigated over the weekend and the Brazilian signed a two-year deal overnight.
“Last night, thanks to the traditionally good relationship between the two clubs, Real Madrid and Milan reached and formalised an agreement for the transfer of Ricardo Kaká into Rossonero colours,” said a Milan statement.
“And overnight, a little before three in the morning, an agreement was reached with the world-class Brazilian.”
Despite the hype surrounding his arrival at Madrid, Kaká failed to live up to his reputation as the (then) world’s best player, making just 85 appearances in four injury affected seasons.
In his last stint with Milan, the 31-year old won a Serie A, Champions League and Club World Cup titles.
I think considering the circumstances, Dillane could have been relased
@jay bernard: wouldn’t look good for Andy Farrell if one of the starting locks picks up
an injury and Dillane is playing with Connacht
Even if Gallagher was fit it would be something. Would any other province be left with one squad lock and one academy lock? Surely they should be allowed a medical joker? This is a huge game in regards the pool too
That weakened second row likely to cost Connacht you’d think? Murray is still very raw and even though Maksymiw has shown up more this season together they are big step down from Dillane, Roux and Thornbury.
I haven’t seen Jonny Murphy this season I think? I’ll be interested to see how he goes when he comes in, I guess a lot of that will depend on how the game is going at that point.
Interesting to see Eoghan Masterson back on the bench, no word on whether he is extending his contract or throwing his lot in with Scotland?
@Darragh Murray: absolutely will, squad wise Edinburgh have a massive edge especially at home. Murray is talentrd but physically a couple of years away from being ready for this level. Really disappointed that Copeland is yet again not listed in a Connacht squad. Utter waste of talent, at his best he should have been pushing Heaslip for the Ireland jersey but since Cardiff he’s been real flanker injury / attitude wise…
Edinburgh are a top top side even without their international contingent. Can’t see anything other than an Edinburgh win.
Copeland injured?
@s mc: isn’t he always? Either that or again out-of-favour, although I’d have thought he could have done a job in the second row for this one. Connacht unlikely to beat Edinburgh away with Maksymiw and Murray at second row.
@David Finn:
I like Murray as a player but he is still fierce light… Bundi weights more than him and he is 8 inches taller. I think he is only a few months out of playing for the U20 this season again…
I think Joe is improving but he is in tough position that our main three 2nd rows are international class. Thornbury has everything but the cap, injury has been his curse.
IT is a big game for the two of them but they are surrounded with our best and they can make a name for themselves. Good Luck…
Jesus, that’s a big Edinburgh pack compare to Connaughts.
@Harry O’Callaghan:
Connacht is giving away an average of a stone a man…. Second rows alone are giving over 5 stone… Lineouts and open field running lads, less of the scrums..