Interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, former AC Milan legendary player Ricardo Kaká, Ballon d’Or winner in 2007, spoke about his strong bond with the Rossoneri club, touching on the present, the league title race and above all the derby.
Let’s start with the derby, which is just a few days away. As a fan, what is your feeling?
“A good feeling. We are ten points behind, but I say it can be done, even for the title. Of course, looking at the standings now it seems extremely difficult, but in football I have seen many things and I repeat, I believe. As long as it is possible, you have to believe, and the guys on the pitch will do that.”
What kind of match do you expect? Allegri is often criticized for not playing spectacular football...
"Look, I am Brazilian and I think the debate between 'Jogo Bonito' and the need to get results will always exist. In a perfect world you would combine both, but as Milan fans we must look at the positive side. Max knows Italian football well, he is doing an excellent job and I am proud that Milan are back up there, second in the table, fighting for the league and able to return to Europe."
What do you think about Chivu? There was skepticism at the start, yet his Inter have pulled away.
"I saw him at the Club World Cup last summer, the team did not do very well in that tournament, but it was the start of a new adventure. Chivu built a solid team in his debut on an important bench. He is a pleasant surprise.”
Are you also surprised by Modric, who is roughly your age and still on the pitch getting excited after a win over Cremonese?
"Lukita is a force of nature. It is fantastic to see what he is doing in terms of enthusiasm, leadership and of course technique. I played with him in Madrid and I know his mentality. Is it surprising that he is still so motivated with the number of trophies he has already won? Maybe, because it is human to lose some motivation when you have already achieved everything. But he is crazy in the best sense. He still wants to share his football, he calls out teammates, he always fights, he has energy and personality. His contribution to Milan is important in matches and in training and I think his presence benefits all Italian football."
Italian football is a bit less strong compared to when you played in Serie A... Kakà replied:
"I still consider the Italian league very competitive. The level has dropped a bit if we remember that it was the most important league in the world and now there is the Premier League. But it remains an entertaining competition and the Milan derby one of the best matches to play and watch.”
Better than the Madrid derby?
"Honestly it is hard to choose. They are matches the whole city talks about before, during and after. If you win you are the king and if you lose you feel the weight for days."
When was the last time you were in Milan?
"Last year with my wife during fashion week. I found a city that had improved even more, very beautiful, with new neighborhoods and the ability to mix history and contemporary life, a feature I really appreciate."
Are you still in contact with your former teammates?
“Of course. I met Paolo Maldini in Dubai at New Year’s, I follow Rino and his adventure with the (Italy) national team, I keep in touch with Pirlo, Sheva, Seedorf but also with Galliani, Braida and Leonardo. It is nice that these strong bonds remain.”
What are Kakà's happiest derby memories?
"The Champions League derbies, especially the first one.”
The worst?
"The defeats. Fortunately I had more wins than losses in derbies, but losing is always bad."
What do you like about this Milan?
"That they are back fighting for the title. Because I repeat, I still believe. Ten points equal four matches and the road is long."
And what do you not like?
"The points dropped. With all due respect to the opponents, matches like the one against Parma at home must be won."
Classic game, take one player away from Inter.
"I would say Lautaro, but since he is injured I will say Thuram."
Kakà, who is AC Milan’s derby man?
“Modric, without a doubt. With his experience and class he will make the difference. But I also like Pulisic a lot, and then there is always Leao.”
Back to Modric, do you think he will stay or leave?
“Science now helps athletes in every field, it extends your career and supports recovery between efforts. If we think about how important Luka is for the team now I believe he can go on for another two or three years, but who knows. There is physical condition, then the player’s decisions, family needs, the desire to return home. The factors that push you to end a career are many, but from what I see on the pitch I think he can play for a long time without problems.”
San Siro’s career is also coming to an end. Does it sadden you that your stadium may be demolished, even if it is still a distant goal?
"I think about the history and I say it is sad, there is nostalgia for the moments we lived there. But sometimes change is needed and life moves on. A piece of us will go away, yet there will be something new and other great adventures can be built.”
What do you think about the next World Cup spread across such a vast territory?
“I am curious, because we have gone from very small to very large. In Qatar I managed to watch three matches in one day, this time I do not know how many I will see in a week. Jokes aside, I like the idea that many people can watch football live and breathe the atmosphere of a World Cup.”
And what expectations do you have for your Brazil coached by Ancelotti?
“Ancelotti is the right person for this period of Brazil, which because of its history always starts among the favorites, maybe not in the top three, but it is a good team and Carlo is Carlo. I am confident. I had the luck to play in three World Cups and I know how exciting it is. A good tournament after many disappointments would be very important for the country.”
A country that has just won its first historic medal on snow. Did you follow the Olympic Games?
"Of course and I am proud of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s result. It seems incredible to have won gold in skiing. A fantastic achievement. I love all sports and in the last five or six years I have also fallen in love with tennis. There are high expectations around Joao Fonseca. He is progressing with ups and downs, which is normal at his age. We expect a lot from him in the future and I hope he already does something good at Indian Wells to continue his growth path.”
In the meantime, there is the derby...
“And there I have one certainty, that Milan can beat Inter and close the gap in the table. I trust Lukita and not only him.”
