Ricky Kaka hopes Milan can get past Napoli to the Champions League Final in Istanbul, believes Rafael Leao could’ve played in his 2007 team and reveals why he rejected Manchester City.
The Champions League quarter-final first leg kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
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“I have wonderful memories of the Champions League with the Rossoneri jersey and seeing Milan experience these moments in the tournament always brings me a very special joy,” Kaka told Radio Rossonera.
“Milan have always had great international results and I think it’s in the DNA of the club, especially the Champions League. I read earlier today that Milan won all the head-to-heads with Italian opponents in Europe, so we’ll see if history repeats itself.”
Napoli are doing far better in Serie A this season, but when they met on April 2 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the Rossoneri emerged 4-0 winners and anything can happen on the night.
“It’s certainly a difficult match and that victory gave Milan extra confidence to play this Champions League game, but this is a different situation. As a Milanista, obviously I want them to progress, especially with the Final in Istanbul.”
The club famously lost a Champions League Final on penalties to Liverpool in Istanbul in 2005, despite leading 3-0, as they conceded three goals in six minutes.
Now the Final is again scheduled for Istanbul and Milan have their eye on changing that history on Turkish soil.
“It is curious that we could return to a city that represented so much sadness and bitterness, even if it paved the way for the joy we experienced in Athens.”
Milan lifted the trophy two years later in Athens against the same opponents, so Kaka was asked who from the current squad would fit in that 2007 team.
“I really like Rafael Leao. He is a player who could work in our team, along with others, as he is very talented. It was a really special bond we had back then and we still like to meet up and chat. Sometimes you don’t realise it at the time and only recognise how special it was when you’ve left it behind.”
Kaka famously resisted leaving Milan when he turned down a huge offer from Manchester City, sparking celebrations in the streets.
“That was a unique moment in my life and career, it bonded me even more to the Milan fans and in that case the love for Milan spoke louder.”