KAKA to REAL MADRID

[E. Grant & Co]

Taken from the Euro-sports website. Thu Jun 04 08:53AM

So much for slow news days during the off-season. Yesterday saw a ding-dong round of action as the circus surrounding the transfer of Kaka got the silly season well and truly underway.

BIFF! The ever-reliable Spanish media kicked things off the previous evening by claiming Real Madrid had signed Kaka, despite the player having insisted he is staying at Milan.

"I'll tell you this for the last time, the very last. I don't want to leave Milan," Kaka had said. "To the millions of Milan fans, I tell you that I've made my choice. I've said I want to stay. Leave me in peace, please." What? No chance Ricky.

WHAMM! The British media counter with a devastating blow - a reported £73.5 million bid from Chelsea to gazump the Spanish giants and steal Kaka from under their noses.

ZONK! Chelsea hit back with a statement saying those reports are utter rubbish.

KER-PLOP! Those who reported Chelsea's humungous bid stick to their guns and insist their sources are indeed correct.

CLANK! Silvio Berlusconi wades in, insisting that Kaka is still a Milan player - at least until Monday, when he gets back from international duty with Brazil. "It is always the players who decide on their future, who have to decide how to pursue their career," he said. Try telling that to Carlos Tevez.

Anyway, amid all the furore, several pertinent questions remain, which ED will helpfully try to answer.

Do Chelsea actually need Kaka? Considering their trophy haul last season, yes. Roman Abramovich cannot have been happy to pick up just the FA Cup; he wants Premier League and European success too. Chelsea need to find a spark from somewhere if they are to improve on last season's efforts and Kaka would certainly provide that.

But is he worth £73.5m? No. How can any one player be worth that much in a global economic crisis? But then again, if he helps bring the Premier League and Champions League trophies to Stamford Bridge, he begins to pay for himself and the issue of cost fades conveniently into the background.

Is there room for him at Chelsea? Some may look at Chelsea's wealth of talent and wonder where the Brazilian will actually play. But there is absolutely a place for him - as there is for any player of his quality. In this case, just behind Didier Drogba and in between Frank Lampard and Joe Cole/Florent Malouda/Nicolas Anelka/Salomon Kalou in an attacking midfield trident. Anyway, as Manchester United proved this past season, a squad can never be too strong.

Will he fit in? Off the pitch, there is no doubting that Kaka would fit in to life at Stamford Bridge. He may never become best mates with John Terry or Frank Lampard, but neither is he a Didier Drogba or Michael Ballack and he would never rock the dressing room boat. He speaks English already, so would face no problems in that department. Indeed, his arrival could very well make the bedding-in period facing Carlo Ancelotti - his manager of six years and whose English is poor - that much easier.

It all makes perfect sense. Well, it would had the player not already made up his mind to join Real. At least, that's what most of the broadsheets claim today, making all of the above rather moot. Which is a shame, because ED for one would love to see Kaka in the Premier League.

Funny how a few words can speak volumes.

Yesterday, Manchester United's official website carried a story in which winger Nani 'insisted he is happy at Old Trafford'. {Which means he isn't, if they have to run a story on it}

"I am very happy to win it (the Premier League title) for two consecutive years," he said. "Being at such a club is a privilege."

Good for him. Few would disagree that he certainly is one priviledged young man. But having made just 13 league appearances for the champions this past season, can he really be entirely satisfied with the contribution he has made?

At first glance, his words appear nothing more than the kind of de rigour column-inch filling claptrap served up by footballers on a daily basis, but look a little harder and they actually betray a serious lack of ambition.

Seemingly happy to sit on the bench for much of the season, making just a handful of appearances, yet still picking up a winners' medal at the end of it all, Nani may have revealed his true self - and that someone is the antithesis of Tevez.

Tevez made no secret of his desire to play more regularly this season; the Argentine was far from happy coasting along, picking up what action he could until he got to pose with a trophy or two at the end of the season.

A glaring chasm in talent aside, it is all too easy to see why United fans are so keen on Tevez - and so luke-warm about Nani.

FOREIGN VIEW: Back to the Kaka saga, which has turned political in Italy. With Silvio Berlusconi's party facing European elections on Sunday, the Italian Primer Minister can ill-afford to anger Milan fans - potential voters - over the affair. But ED's Italian cousin has revealed the backlash has already started, with some Facebook groups, set up to protest about Kaka's sale, boasting members who are threatening not to vote.

[Madridista612]

There's always room for one of the worlds best players....there may only not be room for him at Barca.

[guti]

None of them will move!

[Motley]

Congrats to Madrid.

Huge signing. Any chance they can leave Christiano alone now s

One thing as far as Kaka goes is that he seemed to be losing his aura in Italy over the last couple of years. Probably needs the move to the most successful club in European History.

If he fires, he will be idolised like a god there.

[Juventino]

Pirlo will be garbage in England.

[Le King]

madrid is past it
thats all they got.. history.... no future

thought this was a great read

Sam Wallace says Cristiano Ronaldo's insistence that he plans to stay at Manchester United shows the player in a more mature light.

The 24-year-old has given United the perfect lift ahead of Wednesday's Champions League final against Barcelona by saying he sees his future at Old Trafford rather than Real Madrid.

His comments come after the Spanish giants were once again linked with the Portuguese international, but the Independent's Wallace told the Sunday Supplement that this time there is more reason than ever to believe Ronaldo will stay where he is.

"This is not the first time that he has been quoted saying that he is staying and it does seem to be gathering a bit of momentum," said Wallace.

"I do feel that he's realised what everyone else has been saying for the last six months, which is 'why leave a club that has been in the European Cup final for two seasons in a row just because the city that they are in happens to be a bit rainy'?

"I think someone has obviously got through to him - (Sir Alex) Ferguson possibly - but he is also getting a little bit older, isn't he and he's trying to make a long-term judgement.

"I still think he will go at some point and that he will not play for Manchester United for his entire career. He also knows that Alex Ferguson isn't going to be there for another five years.

"He's probably realised that there is more than a small rebuilding job at Real Madrid. If you go there you could well find yourself - as David Beckham did - out of contention for years and years and years and in football, as we've seen with Michael Owen's career, it's all about timing. It's when you make the move and having sound reasons for doing it.

"The one criteria Ronaldo seems to have for going to Real Madrid is that they fired his imagination as a kid growing up and I just don't think that's enough to base a decision on."

Prohibitive
Rob Beasley, of the News of the World said that Ronaldo's thinking might change if reports that Jose Mourinho could move to Real Madrid in the summer are true.

"One of the first things that he (Mourinho) did when he came to Chelsea was try to sign Ronaldo," reflected Beasley.

"Everybody at Chelsea said 'United won't sell to Chelsea' and he said 'have you tried? Get on the phone and make that deal happen!' He loves him as a player and really, really wants him.

"But I'm with Sam. I will say this through gritted teeth but there is no better place on the planet to play your football (than Manchester United). The cost is prohibitive as well. The package could cost Real Madrid something like 80m quid

[Madridista612]

Past it, what are you talking about man?

One terrible season in which we come up against the best team the world has ever seen and we're past it...might I add that your boys were also destroyed by Barca in the Champions League final. Well may you say that we lost 2-6 at the Bernabeu, and fair enough we did, but we were in a position that we had to risk everything to get the 3 points and with Barca having a much better attack the scored goals. Last season was similar for barca, although they weren't fighting for the title they were obliged to win and lost as a result of going all out to secure the 3 points and make the fans a bit happier. Man Utd's tactic was to park the bus in front of goal and let Ronaldo have the occassional forray into the Barca's half of the field and STILL you conceded 2 goals.

If Madrid are past it, then i'd hate to say exactly what was thought of Manchester United pre-1999 and with Alex Ferguson seemingly prepared for retirement (well I mean he can't last that much longer can he?) Manchester United will indeed have a problem on their hands, replacing the man that has dictated almost everything at the club for the past 20 or so years. It's easy to criticise but it shows little respect and a severe dispostion towards ignorance and arrogance.

[E. Grant & Co]

Can't find any up dates on the ongoing sage. Have I missed something?

[The Joker]

Past it, what are you talking about man?

One terrible season in which we come up against the best team the world has ever seen and we're past it...might I add that your boys were also destroyed by Barca in the Champions League final. Well may you say that we lost 2-6 at the Bernabeu, and fair enough we did, but we were in a position that we had to risk everything to get the 3 points and with Barca having a much better attack the scored goals. Last season was similar for barca, although they weren't fighting for the title they were obliged to win and lost as a result of going all out to secure the 3 points and make the fans a bit happier. Man Utd's tactic was to park the bus in front of goal and let Ronaldo have the occassional forray into the Barca's half of the field and STILL you conceded 2 goals.

If Madrid are past it, then i'd hate to say exactly what was thought of Manchester United pre-1999 and with Alex Ferguson seemingly prepared for retirement (well I mean he can't last that much longer can he?) Manchester United will indeed have a problem on their hands, replacing the man that has dictated almost everything at the club for the past 20 or so years. It's easy to criticise but it shows little respect and a severe dispostion towards ignorance and arrogance.

Mate I would rather lose 2-0 than 2-6 at home. Until you have proof of Fergie saying: "We went to Rome to park the bus", then I'm going to laugh at you and your' shite club all throughout the summer.

[Le King]

im very sure success at old trafford will continue once the greatest manager of all time decides 2 spit out his gum

[E. Grant & Co]

Who do you think should or could take his place?

[MG&Son]

Who do you think should or could take his place?

Murhino

[The Joker]

Who do you think should or could take his place?

Who knows. One things for sure though.. Fergie will definately pick him.

[E. Grant & Co]

If SAF does hand pick his successor then it won't be Jose, I think it will be another Scotsman.

[Madridista612]

Past it, what are you talking about man?

One terrible season in which we come up against the best team the world has ever seen and we're past it...might I add that your boys were also destroyed by Barca in the Champions League final. Well may you say that we lost 2-6 at the Bernabeu, and fair enough we did, but we were in a position that we had to risk everything to get the 3 points and with Barca having a much better attack the scored goals. Last season was similar for barca, although they weren't fighting for the title they were obliged to win and lost as a result of going all out to secure the 3 points and make the fans a bit happier. Man Utd's tactic was to park the bus in front of goal and let Ronaldo have the occassional forray into the Barca's half of the field and STILL you conceded 2 goals.

If Madrid are past it, then i'd hate to say exactly what was thought of Manchester United pre-1999 and with Alex Ferguson seemingly prepared for retirement (well I mean he can't last that much longer can he?) Manchester United will indeed have a problem on their hands, replacing the man that has dictated almost everything at the club for the past 20 or so years. It's easy to criticise but it shows little respect and a severe dispostion towards ignorance and arrogance.

Mate I would rather lose 2-0 than 2-6 at home. Until you have proof of Fergie saying: "We went to Rome to park the bus", then I'm going to laugh at you and your' shite club all throughout the summer.

If it wasn't a tactic...then you should be even more embarrassed because if you actually TRIED to win the game, wow are Man Utd incapable of playing football, at least we managed to score goals buddy. I laugh at your club when Ronaldo finds out that we aren't going to pay for him to come...and if we do pay for him, i'm going to laugh for the next 50 years at the demise of Manchester United. Either way...i'm laughing.

[Chelsea4thewin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27pPBjWNRc0&feature=fvst
love this video of Kaka

number 3 is amazing, what a run

[MG&Son]

Madrista...your a fu(k!ng idiot. full stop.

[BTAC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27pPBjWNRc0&feature=fvst
love this video of Kaka

number 3 is amazing, what a run

Class, all of them.

[DON HALA MADRID]

Madrista...your a fu(k!ng idiot. full stop.

we madridista's are used to this jealousy.

[The Joker]

Past it, what are you talking about man?

One terrible season in which we come up against the best team the world has ever seen and we're past it...might I add that your boys were also destroyed by Barca in the Champions League final. Well may you say that we lost 2-6 at the Bernabeu, and fair enough we did, but we were in a position that we had to risk everything to get the 3 points and with Barca having a much better attack the scored goals. Last season was similar for barca, although they weren't fighting for the title they were obliged to win and lost as a result of going all out to secure the 3 points and make the fans a bit happier. Man Utd's tactic was to park the bus in front of goal and let Ronaldo have the occassional forray into the Barca's half of the field and STILL you conceded 2 goals.

If Madrid are past it, then i'd hate to say exactly what was thought of Manchester United pre-1999 and with Alex Ferguson seemingly prepared for retirement (well I mean he can't last that much longer can he?) Manchester United will indeed have a problem on their hands, replacing the man that has dictated almost everything at the club for the past 20 or so years. It's easy to criticise but it shows little respect and a severe dispostion towards ignorance and arrogance.

Mate I would rather lose 2-0 than 2-6 at home. Until you have proof of Fergie saying: "We went to Rome to park the bus", then I'm going to laugh at you and your' shite club all throughout the summer.

If it wasn't a tactic...then you should be even more embarrassed because if you actually TRIED to win the game, wow are Man Utd incapable of playing football, at least we managed to score goals buddy. I laugh at your club when Ronaldo finds out that we aren't going to pay for him to come...and if we do pay for him, i'm going to laugh for the next 50 years at the demise of Manchester United. Either way...i'm laughing.

You scored two goals whilst conceeding six. Well done.

If/When Ronnie goes, we will find someone to replace him. As we have done all the time. No one is bigger than the club, you should know that by now.

Oh, and your going to laugh when Ronaldo finds out you arn't going to pay for him. (that would be us that would be laughing.) And, if you do pay for him, you would have just giving us a shitload of money, that we can spend on a new player, maybe three. I'll be laughing right with you.

[E. Grant & Co]

Press conference to announce it tomorrow $114millionAU - yes to Madrid, let the games begin.

[Madridista612]

Joker mate you don't understand football. We HAD to chase the game we NEEDED the 3 points, Manchester United could've gone 0-0 for 120 minutes and won in penalties but Barca cut through the 10 man defence. I want Manchester United in the group stage next year because without Ronaldo your nothing, who are you going to get to replace him? Valencia LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL Balon D'or for Wigan "superstar"

[The Joker]

If we ever sign Antonio Valencia I highly doubt it would be to replace Cristiano. Surely that's not what you're thinking?

[DON HALA MADRID]

will be announced tonight.

[The Joker]

will be announced tonight.

Goodluck, cheif.

[FT9]

will be announced tonight.

ive at least read that 5+ times in this thread it will be announced tonight/tomorrow from a week ago

[DON HALA MADRID]

it will be announced tonight. no later than 12am spanish time. (6.30am here) phonecall will take place with kaka and berlusconi, followed by a press conference with kaka. 200+ journalists will be present. Real Madrid and AC Milan will both release official statements at the same time.

let's see how many of you clowns eat your words come tomorrow morning.

[Madridista612]

I've made the mistake of believing these reports before...I'll believe it when those official club statements come up. At the moment all this stuff about it being in Kaka's hands has got me worried because at least by my way of thinking if it was in Kaka's hands...he would choose to stay with Milan, suffice to say i'm very nervous and want this all sorted out as soon as possible, in Madrid's favour of course.

[DON HALA MADRID]

its a done deal mate. the reports claim that after the medical test both clubs will confirm the deal on their official websites and at midnight he will give a press conference to say that he will leave milan. he will be presented on june 30

[Madridista612]

its a done deal mate. the reports claim that after the medical test both clubs will confirm the deal on their official websites and at midnight he will give a press conference to say that he will leave milan. he will be presented on june 30

That's the problem...it's that the reports are claiming it and not the key figures.