KAKA HAS OPENED up about the “respectful but complicated” relationship he had with Jose Mourinho during his time at Real Madrid.
Former Brazil star Kaka rose to prominence after joining AC Milan in 2003, winning Serie A and the Champions League as well as being named Fifa World Player of the Year in 2007.
His standing in the game led to Madrid making Kaka one of their ‘Galacticos’ in 2009, but – despite winning La Liga and Copa del Rey medals under Mourinho – he failed to replicate the same form that made him such a sought-after attraction in Milan.
Kaka, who retired in December 2017 having last played for Orlando City, accepts that despite his best efforts he was unable to fit in under Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“In 2009 I accepted the proposal of Real Madrid, but I was completely destroyed there because I could not give what I had given Milan. I was completely lost,” he told UOL Esporte.
“Jose Mourinho was a difficult coach for me and we had a respectful but complicated relationship. When I thought he would give me a chance, I couldn’t prove to him that I was in good shape.
“I trained, I fought and I prayed a lot, but having not received the confidence of the coach, I realised that I could not work with him. The joy I had was to receive a message when he left Real Madrid and said that I was one of the most professional players he worked with.”
Kaka, a 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil, departed Madrid in 2013 to return to Milan.
Charlie Adam all day long. I thought Mata’s scissors kick was worthy of a nomination though.
Charlie Austin’s would be in my top 5 and its not even here. That one touch turn and strike was sweet
Yeah Charlie Austin’s was a class goal,definitely should be there. Charlie Adam’s for goal of the season though.
Ya maybe your right but the fact that he always tries it and it’s not off the cuff just makes it less special I feel. Austin’s, for example, was sheer instinct.
Search on youtube “Di Maria Manchester United” some of his crosses and assists there are amazing. He fully deserves another chance to prove his worth at United!
Definitely. His form dipped when he returned from injury. Happens to a lot of players. Even though his form dipped, only cesc has more assists than him. Makes me wonder what might have been had he avoided the injury.
It’s got to be Charlie Adam. Although Phillips is in with a shout. If a top player scored that we’d still be talking about it – you don’t often see 45 yard screamers- it wasn’t a looping shot but a belter from that distance rising all the way.
If public polls are anything to go by, Giroud will win this poll by a mile :P
Lads Matty Philips was over 40 yards out!! No contest.
Thought longs goal against villa would have been in the top 10
Love Zamora’s one. Outside of the boot, quality
Schurrle overhead ? Hard to do it at the best of times but he had to set this one up himself by taking it on the chest first . That would be my choice
Fabregas vs Burnley should atleast be nominated surely??