Longevity Questioned

"Milan, for life". Kaka uttered these words for the 5th time, recently, at a press conference. For long i have admired this person. Not only as a footballer, but as a personality. His ability to confess Christ to the world, when the world feels ashamed to publicize The Lord. His ability to stay faithful to his wife amidst those women who truly demonstrate the beauty of creation. Amidst those millions, when he models for the biggest brands in the world, yet maintaining a clean reputation devoid of vices. Kaka is a close to perfect human being.

But this article isn't merely about Kaka's personal life, its about a more relevant topic. Its about two of the biggest clubs in the world, and one of the biggesting footballing icons of this millenium. Kaka has served this club, since 2001. He has won Champions League twice, almost winning it thrice. He has won the Scudetto, he has won the Coppa Italia, the Club World Cup and the World Player of The Year in 2007. At 26, he had accomplished what many players couldn't over the tenure of being footballers. Turning 27 this month, has probably asked for a few more turns, that would flip and change the course of his life in the near future. Being courted by the biggest club on the planet is not new for World Class Players. But being potentially paid 12 million euros a year and being offered the sacred no. '5' jersey is an honor that only Kaka can be proud of. Having one everything at a club can lead to motivational issues. And he has displayed that in abundance over the last 2 seasons. His performances used to leave me spellbound, but since he has passed over the baton to Messi, Kaka has been a shadow of his former self. His performances in club games make me grimace in pain but he still manages to sparkle in yellow. This surely must indicate something. His statistics continue to take a dip, just like his fitness does.

AC Milan needed him to replace Rui Costa. I dont think he succeeded in doing that. However, I think he succeeded in making himself one of the biggest names in world football, an honor Costa would have loved to have. Kaka has led this club to European Success, has been a frontman, a talisman even at times. A club icon amidst the plethora of heroes this club nurtures. His accomplishments, loyalty and service to this club is beyond question, and he will go down into the history books as a Legend, not only of the club, but of the game as well. He is the 'Son of Milan', an honor that he accepted after Shevchenko moved to the Bridge. Kaka is more than a player for Milan. But its time to think, and not feel. Kaka's performances dont match his paycheck, and I am afraid that it has been so for awhile. His fitness concerns have left MIlan Lab, considered the best in world sport, clueless. Kaka has also lost the ability to win club matches, an ability that encouraged the management to put him up there with Zlatan. With the economic crisis at the club being advertised as the Nano is at India, paying a player who fails to perform 160,000 euros a week is folly. The 60-85 million euros that Perez is offering, should, and needs to be taken into consideration, looking at Kaka's physical and professional shortcomings. With the money, 2-3 top class players can be signed in much needed areas to replace a rusted core and to strengthen the structure. And with Gourcuff returning, our 'Rui Costa issue' also seems solved.

5 years being knocked out of the Champions League, in the round of 16, is several levels deeper than just plain humiliating for the world's biggest club. Real lack world class quality. And what better than a 27 year old Kaka, who can dismantle defenses and lift trophies almost as easily. Besides Robben, Madrid have lacked players who can win them games. Zidane needed an heir, and Madrid dint find him one. Better late than never, and you have Kaka on the face of Marca, flaunting the no. 5 jersey with Zidane and Perez in the background. Milan are gradually becoming fallen giants, and Kaka needs a club that can reflect ambition and quality. He wont find that at a commercially corrupted Milan anymore. Spain, is therefore a destination in sight, and which better than Madrid. A club known for fielding the best players in the world, will continue to do so, and The Almighty knows, someday could be winning Europe's crown, crediting Kaka as the protagonist. He has done it in the past, and with some much needed motivation, there is no reason why he cant do it again. Kaka has dreamt of Madrid, and I am sure Perez is dreaming of him now.

Kaka to Manchester City sounded like a shady business deal. Its like Catherine Zeta Jones tying the knot with Sulman Rushdie, or maybe worse. But Kaka to Madrid, sounds like a blend of perfect business, with a touch of footballing sense. Two great clubs combine and one megastar moves court. Milan need it, Madrid need it and so does Kaka. This does seem like a match made in heaven. And yes, Kaka will remain in the heart of the Rossoneri faithful, forever.