Real Madrid boss 'ready to let Kaka leave' as he rebuilds squad
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol manager Jose Mourinho is ready to listen to offers for superstar midfielder Kaka, according to reports. The Sunday Times said that the Portuguese boss is looking to form his side for their challenge for the La Liga title around new signing Sami Khedira and target Mesut Oezil.
The Germany international duo wowed the planet at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with their performances in South Africa helping Germany to a third place finish in the tournament and reportedly leading Mourinho to believe they can form the basis for his title hopes. After securing the services of holding midfielder Khedira from VfB Stuttgart, Werder Bremen playmaker Oezil looks to be next on Mourinho’s transfer wish list.
The latest rumours surrounding a move for 21-year-old Oezil come after the coach ended his interest in Liverpool Football Club captain Steven Gerrard and his former charge at Inter Milan, right-back Maicon. Despite having agreed a fee with Inter over the defender’s transfer, the deal is said to have collapsed over the 29-year-old’s wage demands.
More youthful player
Should the manager be successful in his pursuit of the more youthful Oezil, the pair look likely to be partnered in midfield by superstar winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Word Cup-winner Xabi Alonso and Argentina international Ángel Fabián di María, leaving little room for Kaka in his first-team.
Kaka, also known by his birth name of Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, has faced a difficult time at Real following his arrival last summer in a £56m transfer. He has struggled with both his form and his fitness in his first season with the club and it is thought Mourinho is ready to let him leave as he tries to raise funds to continue his overhaul of the squad.
English interest
The rumour will no doubt arouse the interest of English Premier League sides Chelsea Football Club and Manchester City Football Club as both outfits have long been keen on the 28-year-old. But with City needing to offload some of their 38-man squad to meet new EPL rules stating that only 25 senior players can be registered for the 2010-11 season, Chelsea appear to be most likely to capture the 28-year-old’s signature.
Kaka’s former manager at AC Milan, Carlo Ancelotti, is now boss at Stamford Bridge. During their time together at Milan, Ancelotti got the best out of the Brazilian and helped guide him towards becoming widely-regarded as one of the best players on the planet. The Italian, who has declared that Chelsea will make two big-name signings this summer, has made no secret of his desire to once again team up with the player. However, with owner Roman Abramovich keen to make Chelsea self-sufficient, it is unclear whether he will allow the club to spend the large amount of money that will be required to secure the midfielder.
Kaka began his career with Sao Paulo in his home country, having joined their youth program at the age of eight. After helping the club to the Under-18 national cup, he drew the attentions of Milan and moved there in 2003. Under Ancelotti’s tutelage, he won numerous honours both personally and with his club. He has picked up a Serie A title, won a Supercoppa Italiana, emerged victorious in the 2006-07 UEFA Champions League, won two UEFA Super Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup. Personally, he has won the Ballon d’Or for being European Footballer of the Year in 2007 and was named as part of FIFA’s team of the year in 2008. He also was part of the Brazil squad which won the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2005 and 2009.
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