Article
30 June 2009
Realmadrid.com
The moment we had all been waiting for finally happened. Surrounded by a spectacular backdrop, Kaka was unveiled as a Real Madrid player in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Thousands of fans filled the stands for their first look at the Brazilian super star. Kaka looked extremely appreciative for the confidence and affection shown.
He arrived in Madrid early this morning straight from Johannesburg, where on Sunday he was proclaimed champion of the Confederations Cup and the tournament’s best player. Medical checkup, visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, lunch… A lot of activity, but the best was saved for last: the presentation of Kaka. The wait was well worth it. The incredible show witnessed and felt at the Bernabéu, where the Brazilian was greeted by the crowd.
The stunning lines that circled the Santiago Bernabeu hours before the event made it all so clear that what was taking place inside was of monumental proportion. And it was. Nothing more and nothing less than the unveiling of Kaka, one of the best players on the planet. Hundreds of members of the press flocked to the presentation of the new Madridista, which kicked off at exactly 20:30 CET.
The presentation opened with a video montage of Real Madrid's greatest moments in recent years. Florentino Perez and President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano then took the stage. The President thanked those in attendance at "one of the the greatest temples in the world of football. You the fans are what drive the goals this club sets, which is why our obligation is to work and reinforce to offer you the best team possible." Florentino then had some words for the new signing, who he called "a role model who possesses values very important to Real Madrid." Before finishing, the President added, "My dear Ricardo, thank you for choosing Real Madrid as your destination. You should all know that Kaka had important offers from other teams, but he made it clear that one his biggest dreams was to play in the Santiago Bernabeu before you all."
Once the President had concluded, the Brazilian super star, who entered the stadium already wearing the kit and his number '8' shirt, had some words for those present. "Thank you very much, President and good evening to all Madridistas. I am very happy because this new stage of my career is with Real Madrid. I want to see my name written among the annals of club history through many victories and conquests. victorias y conquistas. Hala Madrid!"
The player then greeted the throngs of fans and posed for pictures in the stadium. He even had time to present a shirt to a child who had won through a raffle. All with an ear to ear smile and all the joy in the world. Kaka is now a Madridista.