Brazil legend makes brutal admission about his career: ‘I’m one of Real Madrid’s worst signings’ | OneFootball

Few players arrived at Real Madrid with as much excitement surrounding them as Kaka. 

The Brazilian was one of the biggest stars in world football when Florentino Perez brought him to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009, fresh from winning the Ballon d’Or and helping AC Milan conquer Europe.

However, more than a decade after leaving the Spanish capital, the former midfielder has delivered a remarkably honest verdict on his time at the club, admitting that he views himself as one of the biggest transfer disappointments in Real Madrid’s modern history.

Speaking during an interview with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, Kaka reflected on the challenges, setbacks and personal struggles that defined his four-year spell in Madrid.

Among Real Madrid’s worst signings

When Kaka arrived in Madrid, expectations were enormous because Real Madrid invested €67 million to bring him from Milan, and many expected him to become one of the central figures of a new Galactico era alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Instead, injuries and fierce competition prevented the Brazilian from reaching the level he had previously shown in Italy.

Looking back on that period, though, Kaka offered a surprisingly harsh assessment of his own time at the club.

“My time at Madrid was very comprehensive. There were personal and professional issues. 

Kaka’s Real Madrid tenure was hampered by several factors. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

“I arrived from Milan as the best, and if you look now at Madrid’s worst signings, I’m number one alongside Hazard. You can see it: Kaka and Hazard.”

Injuries and competition made life difficult

Kaka also explained the factors that prevented him from becoming a regular starter during some of the most important years of his career.

According to the Brazilian, injuries played a major role, but competition under Jose Mourinho also proved difficult to overcome.

“My problem at Madrid was, firstly, injuries, and secondly, the manager’s decisions. 

“Mourinho preferred other players: Ozil, Di María, Benzema, Cristiano… There I was. All of us were fighting for two spots in the starting eleven. He opted for other players.”

Despite his frustration, Kaka insisted he never stopped trying to convince Mourinho that he deserved a bigger role.

“That period was really important for me because I tried to prove myself to him. 

Kaka signed for Real Madrid in 2009. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

“I did everything I could to show him I could play more and get more regular game time. At the same time, I had a personal identity crisis.”

The Brazilian then revealed the internal battle he faced during that difficult chapter of his career. Speaking candidly, he admitted, 

“‘Who am I: the best in the world or one of Real Madrid’s worst signings in recent years?’ I used to think about that.”

Real Madrid is still a special place for Kaka

Despite the disappointments and frustrations, Kaka’s relationship with Real Madrid remains extremely positive.

The former midfielder spoke warmly about Florentino Perez and revealed how the club president supported him even as his Madrid adventure came to an end.

“The day I left Real Madrid, Florentino called me into his office and said, ‘Look, it hasn’t gone the way we all wanted, but I’m very happy that you played for us. 

“You’ve always been professional and honest. You’ve never said a bad word about the manager, the club or anyone here,’” he concluded.