Posted by kjb @ 2009-07-02 10:49:46
Although the move shattered the previous record by a cool £10million, it was quickly eclipsed by the £80million Real paid for Cristiano Ronaldo and there were no indications of that being the end of their incredible spending spree either.
It means the 80,000 fans who pack into the Santiago Bernabeu stadium could be treated to some of the most exciting attacking football the world has ever seen, and consequently Real’s odds for glory in La Liga and the Champions League have shortened dramatically.
But what does losing their Brazilian superstar playmaker mean for AC Milan? After all, Kaka was the catalyst for the club’s Champions League success in 2007 and has continued to be highly influential since.
He is, of course, not the only high-profile departure from the Italian capital of style for coach Carlo Ancelotti has left for Chelsea.
That parting of the ways was more one of mutual benefit for both parties, whereas Milan attributed Kaka’s sale to “solely economic” reasons, thereby effectively admitting they are now weaker in terms of personnel as a result.
Milan, who have appointed former Brazil star Leonardo as Ancelotti’s successor, did not qualify for the Champions League last season and are not among the top half dozen in the betting this time, with their city rivals Inter above them in the list.
The latter fact also applies to Serie A, with Inter odds on as they seek a fifth consecutive title and Milan disputing second favouritism with Juventus.
