Cafu remains confident Milan can reverse that result in the final at the Athens Olympic Stadium, and one of the reasons is the superlative form of his club-mate and compatriot Kaká, the ten-goal leading scorer in this season's UEFA Champions League. "He's one of the best of the world, it's a pleasure to play with him," said Cafu, who also recognises the talents of a trio of English-based players, including the man who sparked Liverpool's revival two years ago. "It's hard to pick only one player as the best in the world, there are so many others playing so well. Maybe for what he has been doing since last year I would pick Didier Drogba. Kaká is one of the best, as are Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard."
Clipped from : www.uefa.com
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Kaka is the next big name in Brazilian soccer
AC Milan will beat Liverpool in UEFA Champions League Final
When it comes to international soccer, often there's just one word you need to remember in order to know all you need to know about it.
That's because the world's best player for the majority of the past 40 years has been a Brazilian player … and they only go by one name. Years ago, it was Pele who ruled the soccer universe. Now, single-named Brazilians have won FIFA's World Player of the Year Award seven times in the last 14 years, including Ronaldo three times, Ronaldinho twice, and Rivaldo and Romario each once.
This year, he didn't win the award, but he's the best player on the planet as we speak. His name is Kaka, and he's the star of AC Milan, who just beat the living crap of Manchester United 3-0 to make it to the finals. Kaka's scored five goals in the team's last five UEFA Champions League games.
For Liverpool, they're a more balanced offense, with eight players scoring throughout the Champions League tournament, led by Peter Crouch's seven goals.
I'm not even that into it, but I played the game all the way through high school and respect it tremendously. So, I have to give a prediction on it. Makes too much sense. Unfortunately, the game doesn't take place until May 25, so we have all the time in the world to talk about it … just like the NFL Draft.
Oh goodie.
Prediction No. 1: AC Milan beats Liverpool 2-1
Prediction No. 2: Kaka scores once and is named the game's Man of the Match
Clipped from : msn.foxsports.com
KAKA The World's Number One Creative Players this year?
Mirror mirror on the wall - who’s the most creative of them all?
After a lot of brain-racking, Joshua Noble has managed to nail down the top ten creative talents in world football at the moment, players who have that magical eye, and that magical foot to back it up!
There are some special abilities that we are trying to appreciate here: the ability to play that pass we can only picture inside our heads; to bring the crowd to the edge of their seats, uncertain of what they are going to deliver next. These are the players the beautiful game craves for. These are the exponents football thrives on.
10. Juninho - Lyon
One of the most consistent players in European Football, at the grand age of 30, Juninho may not have the pace of other players in Europe, but he certainly has the skill. Juninho is a useful addition to a successful Lyon side. His ability to get the play moving, combined with his audacious free kicks makes him a force to be reckoned with in European Football.
9. Ricardo Quaresma – Porto
Many predicted that “Mustang” was a potential star of the future. The man to fill Luis Figo’s boots once his legendry career had drawn to a close. He was on his way to following Figo’s career as he moved from Sporting Lisbon to Barcelona for a fee of €6,000,000. Ironically Luis Figo made the same move at the same stage of his career. Unfortunatley for Ricardo his stint at Barca did not evolve as he would have liked.
After a dire stay at the Nou Camp, Quaresma was used in a make-weight deal for Porto’s Deco and became an instant fan favourite at the Estádio do Dragão. Fans became drawn in by his sizzling skills, wide range of passing and his unique outside of foot curling shots. These traits insure that Quaresma will not be plying his trade in Portugal for much longer.
8. Diego – Werder Breman
After signing for one of the most successful youth systems in Brazil, Diego was destined to be a star. He debuted for Santos at the tender age of 16, and scouts from across Europe quickly became aware of Diego’s potential. He starred alongside best friend Robinho in the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores. Robinho left for Madrid, and he headed for Porto. He blessed the Dragao with his ability to use either foot, his goals, and important assists. But after scoring the winner against Chelsea in the Champions League, the goals and the games dried up for Diego.
Werder Berman were quick to snap up the Brazilian playmaker; he signed for Thomas Schaaf’s title challengers in the summer of 2006. Not everyone was convinced that he was capable of filling the void left by Johan Micoud, but he silenced his critics with a great performance against Hannover 96 as he collected 1 goal and 2 assists. He capped off the month by winning the Bundesliga player of the month award. Fans now are in awe of Diego, and feel that his valuable through balls for Miroslav Klose are one of the reasons why Werder are performing so well in the Bundesliga (despite some recent disappointments). No wonder Inter are keeping a close eye on the Brazilian.
7. Xavi Hernandez - Barcelona
After growing up in Terrasa, Catalonia, Barcelona was always going to be close to Xavi’s heart. Or was it? Hernandez family were die-hard Espanyol supporters, but this did not block his path through Barcelona. Xavi was a rare talent. His pass selection and maturity were far beyond his years. His talent, Barcelona could not refuse, and his passage through to the 1st team was quick and succesful. Hernandez was the key player in the Barcelona B side which won promotion to the Spanish Segunda league. After shining for the youths he was given his debut under the legendary Louis Van Gaal in 1998 . He grasped his opportunity with both hands and quickly made himself a key player at the Camp Nou.
After learning from the likes of Guardiola, Xavi has become an even better player, and is the unsung hero that makes Barcelona really tick. Well, not quite under-rated, as any coach or tactical pundit is quick to acknowledge his efforts. Rafa Benitez himself put it best, surprising the press by saying that stopping Xavi, not Ronaldinho, Deco or Eto'o, was the key to making Barcelona look ordinary. His uncomplicated style, an incredible number of completed passes, and the ability to thread that perfect ball through make him one of the bery best.
6. Francesco Totti – AS Roma
With 21 goals in 30 games, Totti is a vital member of an inexperienced Roma side. The Olimpico is blessed with Totti’s class whenever he pulls on the their jersey. Being Roma fan himself, fans have been able to appreciate Totti more, knowing that whenever he plays, he will do so with his heart, and give one hundred percent. He is one of Roma's most recognised players ever. Despite being linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Milan in the past, Totti has chosen to commit himself to Roma. Totti plays just behind the strikers or in a role known as the trequartistaa, a compromise between the two positions, where the player acts as a link between midfield and attack. His wicked free kicks, consistent passing, and overall team play make him worthy of this spot.
5. Cesc Fabregas – Arsenal
Another one of Wenger’s gems. The Catalan kid arrived at Arsenal in January of 2003 after capturing the Adidas Golden Boot and Golden ball (best player) at the Fifa U-17 World Championship where Spain finished 2nd to a star-studded Brazilian line-up. Fabregas debuted for the Gunners against Rotherham United at the age of 16 and 177 day. Soon after Cesc made himself Arsenal’s youngest ever goalscorer, converting with an easy tap in against Wolves in a 5-1 victory over the Midlands club. After Patrick Viera’s sudden departure from Highbury, Cesc quickly made himself a first team regular. With strong performances against Real Madrid and Juventus, Cesc put himself on the radar for many of Europe's elite. But he wasn’t going to go that easily. Although Fabregas has never been a consistent goalscorer, his excellent vision and defence splitting 'through balls' make him an indispensable player for both club and country.
4. Lionel Messi - Barcelona
What’s left to say about 'little Maradona'? His claim to fame was a superb pre-season friendly against Juventus almost two years ago, when he mesmerised Fabio Capello into asking for a loan move. Then, he dazzled at the Bernabeu on that night that saw Ronaldinho earn a standing ovation. Of course, the hat-trick against Real Madrid earlier this year means that he will not be forgotten at the White House for quite some time. After a stunning goal against Getafe that freshened memories of Maradona’s goal against England, the Barcelona number 19 looka as he though he may just be starting to live up to Diego Maradona’s legendery status.
In a team packed with talents such as Iniesta, Fabregas, Messi had been able to outshine the Catalan pack in the Barcelona B side. Believed to be the next star of world football, Messi’s release clause is not cheap. Massimo Moratti expressed his interest in making the Argentine whiz kid an Inter Milan player. But his bid came to an unsurprising ending as he could not match Messi’s €150 million buy out clause. Of course, Messi himself was unwilling to make the switch to the San Siro. At the age of eleven, he had been diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. However this did not halt Messi’s blistering progress as Barcelona paid for his expensive medication, and made sure he had the best of the facilities. Now, he wants to faithfully play his dues to the Catalan giants.
3. Ronaldinho – Barcelona
Although Lionel Messi has been drawing the plaudits of late, Ronaldinho remains the key figure for Barcelona. In 2006 big things were expected of the Brazilian international, but he failed to deliver on the showpiece stage. His Brazilian side were tipped by many to regain the World Cup in Berlin, but a combination of poor coaching and little teamwork cost them their chance to reach their 2002 heights. Many were starting to wonder, if Ronaldinho really was the best player in the world! Could he deliver on the big stage (he had just won the La Liga and Champions League double, mind you)?
The answer, still, was a firm yes. Although Barcelona’s success this season has been very average, Ronaldinho has stepped up in Samuel Etoo's absence, leading Barcelona this season with 17 goals. What really lights up the Nou Camp is when Ronaldinho runs at people sending them one way while he goes the other, or looking one way and passing the other. His fantastic scoring ability, beautiful ball skills and ever improving teamwork just about complete him. In an average season by his standards, he has scored over 20 goals and created numerous others. Remember, form is temporary, but class is permanent.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
After becoming the 1st man since Andy Gray to win the PFA double, Ronaldo is on his way to taking Manchester United and Portugal to a new level. In 2003 Sir Alex Ferguson signed Ronaldo for £12.24 million, an expensive evaluation but boy did it pay off for the Manchester United manager! On the opening day of the season, Manchester United entertained a physical Bolton side. Ronaldo came on as an early sub., but was still able to cope with the quick physical side of the English game. Come the end, he was named man of the match. After a good season for the Red Devils, he was called up for the Euro 2004 Portugal squad. As Ronaldo played alongside Figo, it was obvious he was going to replace him as Portugal’s standout player. Unfortunately for Ronaldo his tricks could not stop underdogs Greece lifting the trophy in Lisbon, beating Portugal twice on the way. Ronaldo returned the next season, and so did his plaudits.
He was able to keep a lid on his fashionable tricks, but still produced them at the right times. Every season Ronaldo has become more consistent but none more than this one. After an ugly world cup, Ronaldo’s reputation was crumbling as many believed that his 'cheating' resulted in England’s exit. Clearly unsettled and fearing for his life, Ronaldo’s representatives tried to engineer a move for the stepover superhero. Ronaldo was not short of suiters. Real Madrid, Valencia and other giants of the game lined up for the winger's signature, but the move failed as Sir Alex Ferguson stamped down on it. He returned to England, booed at every stadium he visited initially. But it appeared as though those boos inspried him. He had shown that he had the mental strength to thrive in the most hostile of situations. He has scored 22 goals for the Red Devils, which is quite an incredible record for a midfielder. Signed as Beckham’s heir, he brings class, goals and assists in plenty. Real Madrid were supposedly lining up a £50 million bid for the Manchester United winger. That went into the bin as he signed a new deal with the now Premiership champions. Lucky United!
1. Kaka – Ac Milan
The semi-final tie between Manchester United and Milan was labelled the clash of the two best players in the world, Ronaldo and Kaka. This year it has been hard to separate these two devastating talents but over two legs, it was clear that one was there, while the other had some distance to go. After Shevchenko’s departure to West London, Milan looked to Kaka to guide the allegedly ageing Rossoneri. And he has done just that! After AC Milan’s point deduction the team in red and black’s season was in danger. But Kaka has been able to shed some light on a relatively dark Milan side.
Despite their recent success, he has papered over quite a few short-comings, and any half-honest Milan fan will agree. Their season’s form had been up and down as they raced towards clinching fourth place in Serie A. Thanks to his goals (mostly solo efforts) and assists, Milan have battled through the Champions League, and find themselves with a great chance of making it seven European Cups. You know that if Kaka is on form, there is surely only one winner. Ballon d'Or, here he comes!
Clipped from : www.goal.com
After a lot of brain-racking, Joshua Noble has managed to nail down the top ten creative talents in world football at the moment, players who have that magical eye, and that magical foot to back it up!
There are some special abilities that we are trying to appreciate here: the ability to play that pass we can only picture inside our heads; to bring the crowd to the edge of their seats, uncertain of what they are going to deliver next. These are the players the beautiful game craves for. These are the exponents football thrives on.
10. Juninho - Lyon
One of the most consistent players in European Football, at the grand age of 30, Juninho may not have the pace of other players in Europe, but he certainly has the skill. Juninho is a useful addition to a successful Lyon side. His ability to get the play moving, combined with his audacious free kicks makes him a force to be reckoned with in European Football.
9. Ricardo Quaresma – Porto
Many predicted that “Mustang” was a potential star of the future. The man to fill Luis Figo’s boots once his legendry career had drawn to a close. He was on his way to following Figo’s career as he moved from Sporting Lisbon to Barcelona for a fee of €6,000,000. Ironically Luis Figo made the same move at the same stage of his career. Unfortunatley for Ricardo his stint at Barca did not evolve as he would have liked.
After a dire stay at the Nou Camp, Quaresma was used in a make-weight deal for Porto’s Deco and became an instant fan favourite at the Estádio do Dragão. Fans became drawn in by his sizzling skills, wide range of passing and his unique outside of foot curling shots. These traits insure that Quaresma will not be plying his trade in Portugal for much longer.
8. Diego – Werder Breman
After signing for one of the most successful youth systems in Brazil, Diego was destined to be a star. He debuted for Santos at the tender age of 16, and scouts from across Europe quickly became aware of Diego’s potential. He starred alongside best friend Robinho in the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores. Robinho left for Madrid, and he headed for Porto. He blessed the Dragao with his ability to use either foot, his goals, and important assists. But after scoring the winner against Chelsea in the Champions League, the goals and the games dried up for Diego.
Werder Berman were quick to snap up the Brazilian playmaker; he signed for Thomas Schaaf’s title challengers in the summer of 2006. Not everyone was convinced that he was capable of filling the void left by Johan Micoud, but he silenced his critics with a great performance against Hannover 96 as he collected 1 goal and 2 assists. He capped off the month by winning the Bundesliga player of the month award. Fans now are in awe of Diego, and feel that his valuable through balls for Miroslav Klose are one of the reasons why Werder are performing so well in the Bundesliga (despite some recent disappointments). No wonder Inter are keeping a close eye on the Brazilian.
7. Xavi Hernandez - Barcelona
After growing up in Terrasa, Catalonia, Barcelona was always going to be close to Xavi’s heart. Or was it? Hernandez family were die-hard Espanyol supporters, but this did not block his path through Barcelona. Xavi was a rare talent. His pass selection and maturity were far beyond his years. His talent, Barcelona could not refuse, and his passage through to the 1st team was quick and succesful. Hernandez was the key player in the Barcelona B side which won promotion to the Spanish Segunda league. After shining for the youths he was given his debut under the legendary Louis Van Gaal in 1998 . He grasped his opportunity with both hands and quickly made himself a key player at the Camp Nou.
After learning from the likes of Guardiola, Xavi has become an even better player, and is the unsung hero that makes Barcelona really tick. Well, not quite under-rated, as any coach or tactical pundit is quick to acknowledge his efforts. Rafa Benitez himself put it best, surprising the press by saying that stopping Xavi, not Ronaldinho, Deco or Eto'o, was the key to making Barcelona look ordinary. His uncomplicated style, an incredible number of completed passes, and the ability to thread that perfect ball through make him one of the bery best.
6. Francesco Totti – AS Roma
With 21 goals in 30 games, Totti is a vital member of an inexperienced Roma side. The Olimpico is blessed with Totti’s class whenever he pulls on the their jersey. Being Roma fan himself, fans have been able to appreciate Totti more, knowing that whenever he plays, he will do so with his heart, and give one hundred percent. He is one of Roma's most recognised players ever. Despite being linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Milan in the past, Totti has chosen to commit himself to Roma. Totti plays just behind the strikers or in a role known as the trequartistaa, a compromise between the two positions, where the player acts as a link between midfield and attack. His wicked free kicks, consistent passing, and overall team play make him worthy of this spot.
5. Cesc Fabregas – Arsenal
Another one of Wenger’s gems. The Catalan kid arrived at Arsenal in January of 2003 after capturing the Adidas Golden Boot and Golden ball (best player) at the Fifa U-17 World Championship where Spain finished 2nd to a star-studded Brazilian line-up. Fabregas debuted for the Gunners against Rotherham United at the age of 16 and 177 day. Soon after Cesc made himself Arsenal’s youngest ever goalscorer, converting with an easy tap in against Wolves in a 5-1 victory over the Midlands club. After Patrick Viera’s sudden departure from Highbury, Cesc quickly made himself a first team regular. With strong performances against Real Madrid and Juventus, Cesc put himself on the radar for many of Europe's elite. But he wasn’t going to go that easily. Although Fabregas has never been a consistent goalscorer, his excellent vision and defence splitting 'through balls' make him an indispensable player for both club and country.
4. Lionel Messi - Barcelona
What’s left to say about 'little Maradona'? His claim to fame was a superb pre-season friendly against Juventus almost two years ago, when he mesmerised Fabio Capello into asking for a loan move. Then, he dazzled at the Bernabeu on that night that saw Ronaldinho earn a standing ovation. Of course, the hat-trick against Real Madrid earlier this year means that he will not be forgotten at the White House for quite some time. After a stunning goal against Getafe that freshened memories of Maradona’s goal against England, the Barcelona number 19 looka as he though he may just be starting to live up to Diego Maradona’s legendery status.
In a team packed with talents such as Iniesta, Fabregas, Messi had been able to outshine the Catalan pack in the Barcelona B side. Believed to be the next star of world football, Messi’s release clause is not cheap. Massimo Moratti expressed his interest in making the Argentine whiz kid an Inter Milan player. But his bid came to an unsurprising ending as he could not match Messi’s €150 million buy out clause. Of course, Messi himself was unwilling to make the switch to the San Siro. At the age of eleven, he had been diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. However this did not halt Messi’s blistering progress as Barcelona paid for his expensive medication, and made sure he had the best of the facilities. Now, he wants to faithfully play his dues to the Catalan giants.
3. Ronaldinho – Barcelona
Although Lionel Messi has been drawing the plaudits of late, Ronaldinho remains the key figure for Barcelona. In 2006 big things were expected of the Brazilian international, but he failed to deliver on the showpiece stage. His Brazilian side were tipped by many to regain the World Cup in Berlin, but a combination of poor coaching and little teamwork cost them their chance to reach their 2002 heights. Many were starting to wonder, if Ronaldinho really was the best player in the world! Could he deliver on the big stage (he had just won the La Liga and Champions League double, mind you)?
The answer, still, was a firm yes. Although Barcelona’s success this season has been very average, Ronaldinho has stepped up in Samuel Etoo's absence, leading Barcelona this season with 17 goals. What really lights up the Nou Camp is when Ronaldinho runs at people sending them one way while he goes the other, or looking one way and passing the other. His fantastic scoring ability, beautiful ball skills and ever improving teamwork just about complete him. In an average season by his standards, he has scored over 20 goals and created numerous others. Remember, form is temporary, but class is permanent.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United
After becoming the 1st man since Andy Gray to win the PFA double, Ronaldo is on his way to taking Manchester United and Portugal to a new level. In 2003 Sir Alex Ferguson signed Ronaldo for £12.24 million, an expensive evaluation but boy did it pay off for the Manchester United manager! On the opening day of the season, Manchester United entertained a physical Bolton side. Ronaldo came on as an early sub., but was still able to cope with the quick physical side of the English game. Come the end, he was named man of the match. After a good season for the Red Devils, he was called up for the Euro 2004 Portugal squad. As Ronaldo played alongside Figo, it was obvious he was going to replace him as Portugal’s standout player. Unfortunately for Ronaldo his tricks could not stop underdogs Greece lifting the trophy in Lisbon, beating Portugal twice on the way. Ronaldo returned the next season, and so did his plaudits.
He was able to keep a lid on his fashionable tricks, but still produced them at the right times. Every season Ronaldo has become more consistent but none more than this one. After an ugly world cup, Ronaldo’s reputation was crumbling as many believed that his 'cheating' resulted in England’s exit. Clearly unsettled and fearing for his life, Ronaldo’s representatives tried to engineer a move for the stepover superhero. Ronaldo was not short of suiters. Real Madrid, Valencia and other giants of the game lined up for the winger's signature, but the move failed as Sir Alex Ferguson stamped down on it. He returned to England, booed at every stadium he visited initially. But it appeared as though those boos inspried him. He had shown that he had the mental strength to thrive in the most hostile of situations. He has scored 22 goals for the Red Devils, which is quite an incredible record for a midfielder. Signed as Beckham’s heir, he brings class, goals and assists in plenty. Real Madrid were supposedly lining up a £50 million bid for the Manchester United winger. That went into the bin as he signed a new deal with the now Premiership champions. Lucky United!
1. Kaka – Ac Milan
The semi-final tie between Manchester United and Milan was labelled the clash of the two best players in the world, Ronaldo and Kaka. This year it has been hard to separate these two devastating talents but over two legs, it was clear that one was there, while the other had some distance to go. After Shevchenko’s departure to West London, Milan looked to Kaka to guide the allegedly ageing Rossoneri. And he has done just that! After AC Milan’s point deduction the team in red and black’s season was in danger. But Kaka has been able to shed some light on a relatively dark Milan side.
Despite their recent success, he has papered over quite a few short-comings, and any half-honest Milan fan will agree. Their season’s form had been up and down as they raced towards clinching fourth place in Serie A. Thanks to his goals (mostly solo efforts) and assists, Milan have battled through the Champions League, and find themselves with a great chance of making it seven European Cups. You know that if Kaka is on form, there is surely only one winner. Ballon d'Or, here he comes!
Clipped from : www.goal.com
KAKA Blows Winning Chance
Champions League hero Kaka missed a first-half penalty on Sunday as AC Milan were held to a goalless draw by Fiorentina at the San Siro.
Kaka, who terrorised the Manchester United defence in Wednesday's 3-0 win, saw his 26th-minute spot-kick come back off the post after Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini had handled the ball inside the area.
The result sees Milan drop to fourth in Serie A after Lazio narrowly beat Livorno to climb one point clear of the Rossoneri with three games remaining.
Clipped from : http://www.sportinglife.com
KAKA Was On Fire
Kaka was on fire. He showed that with two amazing goals
at Old Trafford, then gave Milan the dream start on Wednesday by scoring in the 11th minute.
The difference between Kaka playing for the Brazilian national team and Milan is that Milan knows he is their star and has built the team in support of him. With Brazil, he is one of many stars.
Opponents cannot focus on Kaka because players like Filipo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo can hurt you. Another threat is Gilardino, who hit the third goal coming off the bench.
Want to break down organized teams? There is no better way than through the brilliance of individuals. AC Milan will be tested against Liverpool in the final May 23 in Athens.
Don't believe those statistics that were flashed on ESPN2 saying Manchester United had the edge in possession. How do you take the edge off Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney? Don't allow them to have the ball.
AC Milan's possession and ability to dictate the game while they built the lead kept the two stars anonymous. And when Cristiano Ronaldo
had a rare chance on the
ball, midfield fire hydrant Gennaro Gattuso took the edge off him.
If you don't think Gattuso is important to Milan, remind yourself how quickly manager Carlo Ancelotti took him off the field after he received a yellow card to avoid the risk of losing him to suspension for the final. This tough guy is instrumental to their tactics.
The difference in individual skill stuck out sharply.
AC Milan's talent from player to player was far above Manchester United's. Comfort on the ball allowed AC Milan players to get out of situations others can't. It also made
Man U respect its opponent and never even think of using pressing tactics.
I can't see AC Milan losing in the final to Liverpool unless the defeat is self-inflicted or Kaka doesn't play well.
AC Milan will go up against Liverpool tradition, collective spirit and a team that will have no choice but to defend
deep, play through the counter attack and direct the ball to monster striker Peter Crouch. That's not a bad idea with the unstable Dida in goal.
AC Milan is already talking of avenging a 2005 loss to the Reds in Istanbul, Turkey.
Much like the Italian team that won the World Cup last summer with the talk of scandal in the Serie A rampant, Milan's journey could overshadow a year where Italy's domestic league has dropped in stature in the eyes of many.
Clipped from : http://www.chron.com
KAKA issues Reds warning
Kaka is relishing the opportunity to avenge the 2005 UEFA Champions League final defeat to Liverpool after he inspired AC Milan to victory in the semi-finals.
Milan's 3-0 second-leg victory over Manchester United at the San Siro on Wednesday night set up a rematch with the Reds, their conquerors two years ago in the famous Istanbul final.
The Brazilian midfielder echoed Carlo Ancelotti's claim that the Rossoneri played "perfect" football against the Red Devils and fully merited their place in the showpiece final.
"We have played a perfect game," admitted Kaka, who scored three of his team's five goals in the two-leg tie.
"We knew against a team like Manchester United that we needed to do something special and we have achieved it with the help of our fans.
"I am extremely happy with the way the team has played, we were the best side on the pitch and we deserved to go through.
"The final against Liverpool will be a unique game. I sincerely hope it will be different from that of 2005."
The Samba star struck the opener for the Italian giants as they dismantled United's defence and overturned the 3-2 deficit following the opening leg at Old Trafford.
Kaka, who is the top scorer in this season's Champions League with 10 goals from 12 games, brushed aside his heroics and believes team-work was the key to his side's achievement.
"I reiterate that I am not playing at my top level," said the 25-year-old. "I still have a lot to improve on.
"We have worked really hard this week and we have been rewarded."
The former Sau Paulo player told Sky Sports News that he was impressed with the performances of English clubs in Europe this season. He also claimed that playing in the Premiership would be an appealing option.
"I love the competition, the challenge," he said.
"There are many big teams.
"Three English teams made the last four of this competition, so the challenge is very appealing.
"Many champions play in England.
"If one day I was to leave Milan I would definitely look at an English team."
Kaka also suggested that Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo should move to the San Siro.
"He should transfer to Milan then we could play together. You never know."
source
KAKA "The Brilliant Brazilian"
The brilliant Brazilian orchestrated a Milan performance of breathtaking style and control against Manchester United to put to bed claims of Ronaldo being the world's best player.
The talk before the Milan-Manchester United match was all about whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaka is the better player. On the evidence of what we saw at San Siro, it is safe to say Kaka is the superior performer.
In fact, he’s in another league compared to the Portuguese winger and if people took off their blinkers, they would realise that.
Ronaldo scored one goal in the first leg - and a really rather scrappy one at that - then spent the rest of the game running the ball into the corner.
While some may defend his contribution by claiming he was marked by two or three men, his repeated attempts to beat his marker on his own, rather than release a team-mate, showed either a distinct lack of awareness or a complete and utter selfishness.
He wants to be the hero, so lacks the teamwork that truly great players have. In fact, Wednesday night's performance reminded me not so much of the much-vaunted Cristiano Ronaldo, but more of Ronald Reagan!
Kaka, on the other hand, brings others into the game, he takes the ball forward and instead of allowing himself to be forced into a corner, lays it off to the unmarked man and finds space for the return if necessary. He also scored three goals over the two legs and is the top scorer in the Champions League.
United’s defeat at San Siro would have been far heavier had Milan played everybody's favourite, fatty Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima, who is in great nick in Serie A. . But the great man was cup-tied and the Rossoneri had to settle for playing the likes of Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino, who are incapable of leading the front line for the Rossoneri.
So who is the best player in the world today? Is it Ronaldo, Is it Kaka?
KAKA admits Premiership allure
AC Milan star Kaka has revealed that he would like to play in England if he ever left the Champions League finalists.
The Brazilian forward was instrumental in Milan's demolition job of English champions-elect Manchester United last night, scoring once in the 3-0 semi-final second-leg win at the San Siro.
He also fired home a brace in the 3-2 reverse at Old Trafford in the first match and was rightly billed as a potential match winner by Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
But the 24-year-old has revealed that he has a strong admiration for the Premiership and would "definitely look at an English team" if he were ever to leave Italy.
"I love the competition [in the Premiership], the challenge," Kaka told Sky Sports News.
"Three English teams made the last four of this competition, so the challenge is very appealing," he added, referring to the fact that, as well as United, Chelsea and Liverpool both reached the Champions League semi-finals.
"Many champions play in England. If one day I was to leave Milan I would definitely look at an English team."
Kaka moved to Milan in 2003 from Brazilian side Sao Paulo and has become an integral part of the Serie A side in his four seasons at the club.
KAKA "The Golden Boy"
The Rossoneri proved their status as possibly the best team in Europe with a scintillating display against Manchester United. Liverpool beware!
It's undisputed now that the accolade of being Europe's number one team over the past six years rightfully belongs to Milan. With a formidable display of patience, technique, technicalities and precision, the Rossoneri undertook the task to remind Manchester United what European football was about. They did it with a superb display of football to advance to the semis - and reaped the benefits of being in the last eight for six years.
Gennaro Gattuso vs. Paul Scholes: The 'Beast' proved once again why he is hailed as one of the greatest and it was his injury in the first leg led to United's comeback. This time around he showed the world why he deserved to be in Italy's World Cup winning squad.
Kaka v Cristiano Ronaldo: The Golden Boy once again blinded the United players with his pace, precision and skill, whereas his opposite number was held back by Gattuso. At the tender age of 25, the Brazilian is going to make a huge impact on the footballing world and looks the likely winnner of the Ballon D'or (FIFA World Player of the Year). He's had an amazing season.
Kaka is a product of Milan's long history of enticing and nurturing some of the greats in world soccer. From the days of Ruud Gullit, Marco Van Basten, George Weah, Frank Rijkaard, Andriy Schevchenko, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Clarence Seedorf and now the golden-boy Kaka, the Rossoneri are truly home to some of the greatest footballers of our time. And watch out for one of the next great players, Yoann Gourcuff.
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