Last week Orlando City SC officially confirmed what had been rumored for months. That former World Player of the Year Kaká had been signed to a multi-year contract.
Kaka will now join Sao Paulo on loan, where he began his youth and professional career, and will then link up with Orlando City on January 1, 2015 as they prepare to make their MLS debt next spring.
‘I’ve always said I wanted to play in the USA and now I have reached an agreement to play there,” Kaka told AC Milan’s television channel.
‘Orlando City is a new team with a good project and the owner (Flavio Augusto da Silva) is Brazilian
‘I’m also happy to return to Sao Paulo. It’s really satisfying for me.’
Kaka added he will never again wear the number 22 – the number he wore at Milan.
‘In Brazil, I think I will wear the number 8 and then 10 in America,’ he said.
Kaka was mobbed by Orlando City fans after arriving at the international airport and his arrival has been likened to that of a rockstar by the club.
Aside from David Beckham, Kaka is arguably the biggest name to join MLS in a generation. While he is no longer the player that won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2007, he did manage nine goals and five assist for AC Milan last season playing in Serie A and the Champions League.
Kaka has already made it clear that he does not view Orlando and MLS as one large payday before he retorts telling reporters:
“MLS is making big steps, big progress. I’m not here to retire, I’m here to win.”
Joining Orlando in MLS next season will be New York City FC, who have already signed former Spain star David Villa and are expected to sign former Chelsea star Frank Lampard. On name recognition alone, it is advantage Orlando with their signing!