Former Milan midfielder Kaka admires Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s motivation, and recalls his first goal in the derby, “a Rino Gattuso cross from the left, and a header from me!”
The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner gave a lengthy interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Milan derby this weekend, and talked about both sides of the city.
Kaka retired in 2017 at the age of 35, whilst Ibrahimovic is still playing at 38.
Former Milan midfielder Kaka admires Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s motivation, and recalls his first goal in the derby, “a Rino Gattuso cross from the left, and a header from me!”
The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner gave a lengthy interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Milan derby this weekend, and talked about both sides of the city.
Kaka retired in 2017 at the age of 35, whilst Ibrahimovic is still playing at 38.
“It’s beautiful to see how Ibra is still motivated. I never had any regrets about leaving the pitch behind,” kaka told La Gazzetta.
Kaka first played in the Milan derby in 2003-04, and scored on his debut.
“It gives you an incredible confidence. It was a cross from the left by Gattuso, and a header from me, a rarity!”
Milan battled Inter in the Champions League in 2004-05, and Kaka states they were amongst his fondest memories.
“Those Milan derbies in the Champions League were my favourites. I always say that the derby is a game apart, but meeting them in Europe was truly unique.”
Current Brazilian Lucas Paqueta has struggled in his second six months in Milan, and Kaka was asked on what he believes the issue is.
“He must find confidence in himself. The last year went well, but the second year not so much, I know from experience.
“The other players start to know you, and it becomes more difficult. He must consider his quality.
“In a strong team he can become an important player.
“If you buy a Brazilian player he must know what type of player he is. Paqueta does need to adapt to Italian football a little more.
“However at the same time he mustn’t lose sight of his footballing identity. He must stay creative, because that is what we are.
“He must become more practical, and not merely trying to dribble for the sake of it.”