Madrid, July 1 (DPA) Around 40,000 fans flocked to Real Madrid’s Estadio Bernabeu to see the presentation of new signing Kaka.
The Brazilian playmaker – signed from AC Milan three weeks ago for around 65 million euros ($91.31 million) – was presented to the fans and media Tuesday by new club president Florentino Perez, who said that the Brazilian was “unique and special” and “an icon of our times”.
Kaka, for his part, said that “today is a very special day for me. I am very happy to start a new stage in my career at Real Madrid, and I hope to write my name into the history of this great club.”
It was then announced that Kaka will wear the No.8 shirt for Real. The Spanish giants have already sold more than 2,000 Kaka replica shirts, without any number on them.
Kaka, 27, flew into Madrid Tuesday morning from South Africa, where he had guided Brazil to triumph at the Confederations Cup. He underwent rigorous medical checks at the Estadio Bernabeu and then put his name to a lucrative six-year contract.
Perez, who returned as Real president June 1, is prepared to spend more than 250 million euros building a star-studded team to challenge European champions Barcelona.
He has also signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a world record fee of around 94 million euros, and defender Raul Albiol from Valencia.
Ronaldo will be presented to the media July 6, Albiol later next week.
According to the Spanish media, Perez’ next transfer targets are Liverpool pair Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, plus Valencia’s David Villa and Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich.
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