In an increasingly common move by clubs to free-up non-European Union slots on their rosters, AC Milan playmaker Kaka became an Italian citizen on Monday.
"It is an honour to now be both an Italian and a Brazilian," Kaka revealed afterward. "I am truly happy. This helps me and it might be able to help Milan."
Before anyone entertains the notion of seeing Kaka wear the Azzurri shirt for Italy's next international match, though, the player is cap-tied to Brazil.
The 25-year-old debuted for Brazil's national team in 2002 and has never looked back, earning 46 caps since and winning a World Cup title with the South American power in 2002 and representing Brazil again at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"I hope to continue to be a positive symbol, especially for the kids," said Kaka on the AC Milan Web site.
"I want to become a champion and do lots of other things to help them see what is right in life," he added.
"We are two points from fourth place; we are getting there"
No worse than all the ex eastern-bloc weightlifters who become Australian citizens after 5 minutes of being here, so we've got a shot at more olympic medals.
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