Brazil star Kaka has revealed he has joined Real Madrid in order to help AC Milan to overcome their financial difficulties.
The Italian side confirmed the sale of Kaka to Real in an expected world-record transfer late last night, before Madrid also announced the move on their own website.
Reports have suggested Kaka, who was also earlier linked with Chelsea, has signed for around €68 million - which, if true, would smash the world record fee of €46.7million paid by Real to Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
He had the opportunity to join Manchester City in January this year in a deal reported to be worth €100million, but opted to stay in Italy.
At a press conference in Recife, where the player is currently on international duty ahead of Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay later today, Kaka revealed he rejected the move to England as he did not want to leave Milan mid-season.
'I can officially say I'm a Real Madrid player. My professional link with AC Milan finishes now, but my sentimental link will never end,' he said.
'Real Madrid intend to build a great team, with historic players such as Raul and Casillas. We will make history again, both in Spain and Europe. I guess the sport project is very good.
'Manchester City and Real Madrid are two different clubs with different situations. At that time (January), it was mid-season, I had a strong emotional impact due to the Italian fans requesting me to stay, and I decided to stay.
'Now another chance came up and AC Milan is in a big crisis (financially). For me, the sporting project (at Madrid) is interesting and will be an important boost to continue my career in the highest level.'
'I wanted to stay on at Milan, but the world (financial) crisis affected a lot of clubs, especially those like Milan which are businesses,' he continued.
'So then, I spoke with the Milan directors and we reached the conclusion that the best thing for everybody would be to sell.'
Kaka also revealed that new Real president Florentino Perez has been busy 'making contact' with potential targets as he looks to revive his "Galacticos" project.
In Perez's previous stint with the club, he oversaw the acquisitions of global stars of Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham, as well as Zidane.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery have also been linked to the Spanish capital club since Perez's unopposed election signalled the return of their vast spending.
'The president (Perez) is already making contact (with potential signings) and is putting together a competitive team, one which will try to once again become champions in Spain and Europe. That's why I chose Madrid.
'They have historic players there already, such as Raul or (Iker) Casillas. Real Madrid will be an important challenge for me. We`re going to win many titles again.'
