Ricky Kaka welcomes Clarence Seedorf to Milan, but admits he “didn’t want to play football anymore” after an injury on his debut.
The Brazilian is preparing to face Verona tonight at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview, with new Coach Seedorf at the helm.
Ricky Kaka welcomes Clarence Seedorf to Milan, but admits he “didn’t want to play football anymore” after an injury on his debut.
The Brazilian is preparing to face Verona tonight at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview, with new Coach Seedorf at the helm.
“Seedorf was a technically fantastic player and very intelligent,” Kaka told TV Globo in Brazil.
“He loved to talk and guide the others on the field, so he had the profile of a Coach even when he was playing.
“It’s the first time one of my old teammates has become my Coach. It’s strange, as the person who was by my side on the pitch is now giving me orders from the touchline. He is very disciplined and organised, so he knows what he wants. He learned so much from playing in the biggest clubs in Europe.”
Seedorf returns to San Siro, but so did Kaka after several years at Real Madrid this summer. It didn’t start promisingly, as in his debut against Torino he suffered a thigh injury that would rule him out for a month.
“When I had that injury I thought to myself: ‘I don’t know if I still want to play football.’ I was preparing to do everything possible to be ready for the World Cup, then got injured at the first competitive match.
“I called Adriano Galliani and told him I didn’t want to receive wages while I was unavailable for action. He asked me to stay calm. I recovered and now I’m back in shape.
“I brought a personal physiotherapist with me to improve my performances and rediscover the joy of playing football. Now I am at 75-80% of my peak form and hope to soon find 100%.”
Kaka rarely played at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, but does not blame the Special One.
“Injuries created a situation where it was not possible for me to play. I don’t blame Mourinho. I always respected his opinion and did everything I could to change his mind about me. I didn’t manage to, but it was still a good experience.”