Kaka for European award

Paris: Brazil and AC Milan’s Kaka, perhaps the best attacking midfielder in the world, is one of the favourites for December’s 2007 European Footballer of the Year award.

The 25-year-old Kaka looks a top tip having starred in AC Milan’s run to the 2006/07 Champions League title. Few fans of Manchester United will forget Kaka’s opening goal in the semi-final, second leg at the San Siro, a low drive from 20 metres, which put the tie level at 3-3, but crucially left the Italians ahead on away goals.

Kaka plays in the style of a classic number 10 such as legends Pele, Diego Maradona, Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane, whom so many youngsters dream of emulating.

Kaka, born Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, aged just 20 played in his first World Cup in 2002 where Brazil won the title for the fifth time.

At a young age, the diminutive Kaka had high hopes heaped on his shoulders with the media saying he would emulate legendary playmakers such as Rivelino and Socrates.

His talent was as obvious as the jokes about his name. He was a key component of Milan’s 2003/04 Italian League winning team.

Source: mumbaimirror.com