REAL MADRID PAYS RECORD 68 MILLION EUROS TO SIGN BRAZILIAN SUPERSTAR KAKA

Spanish La Liga soccer powerhouse Real Madrid has announced the signing of Brazilian superstar Kaka, who played in the Italian Serie A league with AC Milan last season.  Kaka signed a six year deal with the Spanish club who have opened up their wallets this year to finance the acquisition of star talent.  Real Madrid paid AC Milan a transfer fee of 68 million Euros or just a bit over $94 million US dollars to acquire Kaka.

Kaka confirmed the signing at a press conference, where he gave some of the background of his decision to sign with the Spanish club and not Manchester City of the English Premier League:

"I can officially say I'm a Real Madrid player. My professional link with AC Milan finishes now, but my sentimental link will never end. Real Madrid intend to build a great team, with historic players such as Raul and Casillas. We will make history again, both in Spain and Europe. I guess the sport project is very good. Manchester City and Real Madrid are two different clubs with different situations. At that time it was mid-season, I had a strong emotional impact due to the Italian fans requesting me to stay, and I decided to stay. Now another chance came up and AC Milan is in a big crisis financially. For me, the sporting project at Madrid is interesting and will be an important boost to continue my career in the highest level."

AC Milan confirmed the deal on their website, and gave Kaka a glowing send-off:

''From next season, Kaka will play at Real Madrid. Milan would like to thank the man and the great champion Kaka for his decisive contribution to the many victories achieved in the six years of his commitment. The lost technique, while serious, can be remedied. It will be very difficult to fill the void that will be left by Kaka, a shining example of professionalism, commitment and professionalism. 'AC Milan, according to the wishes of the managers, players and supporters of the Rossoneri, offer him the most cordial and affectionate wishes for the continuation of his sporting career.''

Real Madrid posted a less verbose statement on their website:

''Kaka is a player of Real Madrid after an agreement with AC Milan. The Brazilian footballer has now successfully passed all medical tests. Kaka has signed a contract for the next six seasons with Real Madrid.''

The Madrid spending spree started in earnest with the re-election of Florentino Perez as team president last week.  Kaka will likely be the biggest acquisition by the club, but certainly not the last.  Since Perez’s re-election there have been credible reports of the team’s interest in a host of high level talent including Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery.