2.18.2013

Ricardo Kaka has still chances to repeat feat at Old Trafford

There was a time when Kaka conquered Old Trafford. It was on April 24, 2007, in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal 2007 against Manchester United, with the last Milan champion of Europe. Despite losing 3-2, that Milan, Kaka's Milan over everything, reached the Champions League final and avenged the humiliation of Istanbul (Final lost against Liverpool). In Athens, that team recaptured the glory.

Ricardo Kaka vs Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford 2007
Ricardo Kaka at Old Trafford (2007)

But with just two weeks to Real Madrid's trip to Manchester, the issue is keeping those good memories of Old Trafford. That performance gave him the 2007 Golden Ball ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. Kaka with open field, turned it over to a game in which, curiously, Cristiano Ronaldo had scored first. The Brazilian, with a spectacular physical deployment, was a nightmare to O'Shea, Wes Brown and Heinze. That day the Milan ended up losing 3-2 with a goal from Rooney in injury time, but Milan was finalist and Ricardo Kaka stunned the world.

Kaka option to play at Old Trafford, starts to gain currency. First, for his optimum performance against Rayo Vallecano. The Brazilian, who come and go since joining Madrid in June 2009 (for injuries, rumors back to Milan, Mourinho's whims), appears again in the well way. At least, engaged. His numbers this season are very poor. He has played only 15 games and scored two goals (in Champions League against Ajax and in the Spanish Cup).

He has not played a whole match except during the first leg of the Spanish Cup against Alcoyano (a third division team) Because Kaka seemed out of Real Madrid twice this season. First, in summer. Also in the winter market. After his sent off at the Reyno de Navarra Stadium in the Spanish League week 19, Kaka disappeared until the 23rd. Milan and Madrid negotiated his sale on loan or transfer, but the economic hardship of the Italian team and the Real Madrid's refusal to give away the player, foiled the operation.

Several factors make credible the Kaka option at Old Trafford. First, his ability to play games in open fields, with many spaces. Then his fitness. Kaka showed a good condition or at least freshness in the game against Rayo Vallecano, an important factor at this stage of the season. Finally, Mourinho's doubts about his pair of strikers. The possibility of playing without a striker reference and Di Maria's bad pace, open two possible routes to Brazilian midfielder. Against him, the lack of competitiveness that Kaka has shown in big games and his no defensive work. Mourinho could consider a team with Cristiano, Özil, Kaka and perhaps a striker, a weak team.

What is clear is that his situation is complicated and every chance he gets, he takes advantage: "There is not an easy period for me, but every time I'm stronger mentally. I want to succeed here. I said I was willing to find a solution for the club and for me, but it has not come to an agreement." Kaka has not lost hope. He trains hard and this is still his best endorsement: "I feel lighter. I get to do things on the field that did not come out. I do what I have to do", he said after the match against Rayo Vallecano.

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