Watch out world - Kaka’s back

Kaka is best known for his glittering career in Italy with AC Milan. He won the UEFA Champions League, finishing as the competitions top scorer with 10 goals, and won FIFA Club World Championship.

In 2004 he was the Player of the Year in ‘Serie A,’ and in 2007 he was awarded the FIFA World Player trophy and the man-of-the-match award in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Since his €65 million move to Real Madrid in 2009, his career has faltered somewhat. Due mainly to chronic injury and the arrival of attacking midfield rivals such as Mesut Ozil.

Now Kaka is injury free but, has still only made two substitute appearances for Madrid in La Liga this season. Which probably explains why Kaka was so surprised to learn of his call up to the Brazil squad, for friendlies against Iraq and Japan.

"This is a surprise to me. Actually I did not expect it," he said. "I received a message in the morning saying that there might be a surprise for me and I waited anxiously. Suddenly I saw that my name was on the list. My wife and kids have celebrated my return to the Selecao."

It is no secret that Brazil coach Menezes is building a youthful look with the ‘Samba Boys.’ Most of the nation’s hopes will be falling at the dazzling feet of Neymar and Ganso, yet, the Brazil manager is keen not to overlook the importance of experience.

"We need players as experienced as Kaka is with the national team. We think that he will come here and show that he has improved. We know that this season will be key for him so we can start counting on him as a national team player again in the future.”

Despite a lack of first team opportunities with Real there are signs of a return to form on the horizon. Kaka scored a hat-trick against Colombian club Millonarios in an 8-0 ‘Santiago Bernabeu Trophy’ win last week. He will need to impress during the international break to further his claims for a starting birth in the league.

I for one think that it will be a pleasure to see, a fit again, Kaka regain his most aesthetically pleasing form. Welcome back.

image: © Jan S0L0

Simon Bunn

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I possess a swashbuckling attitude towards football writing, aiming to pillage the most exciting and thought provoking topics in the business. Blessed with savvy up to date football knowledge, a dangerous obsession for Aston Villa FC, and a mind of alternative thinking, I welcome all readers aboard.