Capítulo 13: Welcome to the World Championship
Chapter 124: Welcome to the World Championship
In 2002, Kaka walked out of Milan Malpensa Airport alone. Yet, before feeling the enthusiasm of Milan fans, he confronted the ill intentions of the Italian media.
"Kaka, what's your response to Mogi's comments?"
Juventus, a strong contender for Kaka's signature, felt the sting of his choice for Milan over Turin. Juventus general manager Mogi, torn between admiration and resentment, remarked in a media interview: "I don't like the name Kaka because it sounds dangerous; if he doesn't perform well, he'll soon become infamous."
Due to the similarity in pronunciation, "Kaka" resembles "CACA" in Italian, which means excrement.
Upon arriving in Milan, Kaka immediately heard this from a reporter.
He was prepared for it.
Just as in China, when adopting the name "Yang Wei," one must have the resilience to face others' scrutiny.
So, in response to reporters' queries, Kaka's reply was equally straightforward.
"I'll check the schedule to see when AC Milan and Juventus play their first match of the season."
There was no way around it, so he vented his temper a bit.
To Kaka's surprise, over 300 fans awaited him at the airport. This reception exceeded his expectations.
Transitioning from a relatively unknown World Cup participant to its breakout star markedly increased his popularity.
Kaka patiently signed autographs and posed for photos with fans, then left hurriedly at the urging of airport security.
Naturally, he didn't have to worry about finding housing. As the saying goes, one can't do anything without money. Not to boast, but his current net worth... Never mind, he bought a building in Milan outright, complete with a luxurious villa and a small training ground, without hesitation.
Silva, who arrived earlier, personally drove to pick him up. The once-frustrated Wall Street trader now thrived in stocks and investments, thanks to Kaka's success, and had long shed his gloom.
Moreover, Kaka established a player brokerage firm, with himself as the first signed player... Could he be any richer?
The following day, the club held a press conference for him.
After patting the club's back and affirming his commitment, Kaka proudly donned the red and black jersey, number 22.
Regarding his choice of number 22 over his familiar 23 from São Paulo and the national team, Kaka explained, "Number 22 is my birth date."
The Italian media showed a level of enthusiasm and goodwill toward the resilient Brazilian who spoke Italian. Various reports focused on expectations, smoothing Kaka's transition into Milan.
The day after the press conference, Kaka registered officially at AC Milan's training base, Milanello.
Though his arrival at Milan was met with some resistance in the media, his friendship with Leonardo remained unaffected. Leonardo briefly toured Milanello with Kaka before introducing him to the locker room.
"Let's pause a moment to welcome our superstar rookie." Leonardo's standing in the football world was respectable, and all eyes turned to them.
Shevchenko, Inzaghi, Tomasson, Rui Costa, Seedorf, Gattuso, Pirlo, Maldini, Nesta, and Costacurta...
A group of star players seen only on TV and the internet now stood before him.
Rumors in football circles claimed that Milan possessed millions and half of Real Madrid. It seemed plausible.
Even 3R, Kahn, Beckham, and other stars had been dealt with. Kaka wouldn't feel nervous in their presence, yet he couldn't help but feel a bit excited by the impact of these legends.
National teammates Dida and Roque Júnior were the first to greet Kaka with warm hugs.
"You're finally here, Kaka. I said before, São Paulo couldn't keep you."
"Welcome, brother. We can fight together again."
Captain Maldini also extended his hand, saying, "Welcome. I watched the finals; you performed excellently."
Kaka shook his hand. "Thank you, and sorry..."
It's a pity, he met the strongest opponent in the universe.
Maldini seemed disinclined to dwell on the topic further, instead asking Kaka to greet the others before proceeding to the training ground.
Head coach Ancelotti awaited them.
Though Kaka was currently the center of attention, his acquisition had been the club's decision, with no influence over the head coach.
Glancing at Milan's current lineup—Seedorf, Rui Costa, Pirlo...
Even without Leonardo coming out of semi-retirement, their attacking midfield was already bloated. And now, there was Kaka.
With four players vying for the number 10 role, what head coach would assemble them this way?
Despite any reservations, Ancelotti welcomed Kaka's arrival. After all, he was a key member of the World Cup-winning team, a rising star of the next generation.
Following warm-ups, formal training commenced.
Kaka had experienced three head coaches since starting his football career, each more lenient in training, emphasizing individual player development over tactical drills. Ancelotti was different.
Discipline was strict, and tactical analysis and routines were profound.
This stark contrast underscored the divergence between American and European football—individualism versus team tactics.
As training neared its end, Ancelotti organized a small 7v7 match.
Though unspoken, Kaka knew this was their way of welcoming him.
In the field, he'd have to earn their respect.
If Serie A was the center of world football, then Milan was the center of that center.
São Paulo? Just a distant memory.
Before proving himself firsthand, Kaka, the young man burdened with expectations, held no special place in their hearts.
Ancelotti intentionally paired Kaka with three Brazilian players familiar with him—Dida, Roque Júnior, plus Leonardo—alongside Costacurta, Seedorf, and Tomasson, a balanced lineup of two forwards, three midfielders, and three defenders.
On the opposite side stood Shevchenko, Pirlo, Rui Costa, Gattuso, Nesta, Costacurta, and goalkeeper Abbiati, also with two defenders, three midfielders, and a forward.
The whistle blew, and the game began.
Kaka, in a white bib, kicked off.
Tomasson passed to Kaka, while Seedorf and Leonardo spread out to provide him space.
Shevchenko lunged first but missed. Kaka deftly sidestepped him and scored a goal, leaving Shevchenko behind. Next was Pirlo, who fared no better than Shevchenko with a simple change of direction.
Then came Gattuso.
The first two were warm-ups; this was the main event.
Gattuso put his all into defending against Kaka.
He was determined to give Kaka a "Welcome to Milan" rough treatment after intercepting the ball.
But his high-intensity welcome would go unspoken.
Kaka had no intention of showcasing fancy footwork. With a swift feint, Gattuso was left grasping at air, unable to recover, and watched helplessly as Kaka sped past.
This small-sided setup suited Kaka perfectly—fluid, like water.
After breezing past three defenders, Kaka faced Nesta, who greeted him with a fierce slide tackle.
Confronting the figure Messi would dread in his eyes, Kaka couldn't afford to relax and used a Marseille turn.
Nesta, too, missed the ball. With Costacurta following Tomasson, only the goalkeeper stood between Kaka and the goal.
A subtle feint.
An open net.
Silence fell over the audience.
Maldini and Inzaghi exchanged a knowing glance from the sidelines.
Since the Asian tour, Italian media had claimed Italy could have won the World Cup if not for the South Korean team, confident they could reach the final and defeat Brazil.
They believed this until now.
That day, a photo of Kaka in Milan's jersey adorned the front page of "Gazzetta dello Sport," with a bold headline.
Welcome to the World Champion.
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