Real Madrid

Kaka has excellent memories of Old Trafford. The Real Madrid midfielder racked up one of his best matches there in 2007 and what was perhaps the most beautiful goal of his entire sporting career. “Every player wants to play a match like this. We came off the first leg in the Bernabeu with the feeling that we could have won the game and that we can equalise the draw in England and win the playoff. Manchester is really strong but we’re going to Old Trafford with confidence”, explained Kaka to the Bwin website ahead of the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.

The Brazilian striker analyzed Manchester United and the atmosphere that players’ experience at Old Trafford. “It’s a traditionally European squad that always goes far in the competitions they play in. They also have really sold individual players like Rooney and Van Persie. The stadium is fantastic, just like the ambience and the fans”.

Kaka also spoke about his best Champions League moment and his last performance in the clash against United: “The best was when we won the 2007 Milan against Liverpool match. This was the most important moment I had experienced in the Champions League. And the most important goal of the competition was the second against Manchester in Old Trafford in 2007. It was an incredible goal for me”.

The Real midfielder had words of praise for Jose Mourinho: “He has loads of positive qualities. The ambition to win is perhaps his best”. Kaka also spoke about what he can contribute to the squad on the pitch: “I think that the possibility to speed up the game, the counterattacks and now a lot more experience. At 30 you can contribute a lot”.

To conclude, Kaka explained how he motivates himself ahead of important games and what he does when he’s not playing football: “I like to motivate myself with things related to faith. I think these are the things that motivate me and always prove that best is going to happen. When I'm off the pitch I like being with my family and playing with my kids".