Breakup

Chapter 123: Breakup

After returning to Brazil, the Brazilian team was sought after by the entire nation. Countless celebrations ensued. However, people soon noticed Kaka's absence from these activities after the first few days.

Kaka evaded the public eye and took a week's luxury leave before renting a small training base in the United States. There, with the help of nine teammates who had finished their vacations, he began rigorous specialized training.

The team now included nine members: the initial six teammates plus an additional physical coach and two technical coaches.

The fitness coach, Smith, hailed from the NBA and was recommended not by Silva but by Dario, another fitness coach of Kaka's. Smith's expertise extended beyond physical conditioning to comprehensive sports injury prevention.

The two technical coaches were Pedersey from Brazil and Mason from the Netherlands. Pedersey, introduced by Falcao, brought a blend of flair and practicality to footwork training, perfectly suiting Kaka's needs. Mason, formerly the Ajax youth training technical manager, was renowned for nurturing talents like Sneijder and Van der Vaart, making him a crucial addition.

Silva managed Kaka's business affairs, which included a team of lawyers and accountants, temporarily overseeing operational and investment matters.

Kaka remained focused on football, emphasizing shooting precision and overall technical refinement alongside physical conditioning such as strength and agility.

Winning the World Cup granted Kaka fifty honor points, which he carefully exchanged for Baggio's Dream Footsteps. Integrating these skills with his dribbling prowess elevated his ball control to levels comparable to Robby Roger's.

During his retreat and practice, both São Paulo Club and Silva were inundated with inquiries and offers. It was widely acknowledged that São Paulo couldn't retain Kaka, nor did they wish to.

In Brazil, this was standard practice: cultivate young talent, sell them once they mature, and reap financial rewards that sustained the club for years.

The burning question was Kaka's next destination. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, AC Milan, A Coruña, and Valencia had already expressed interest.

Kaka entrusted Silva with negotiations and focused on his training, preferring a dignified departure from São Paulo. His preferences were clear: AC Milan first, followed by Manchester United.

He sought a fair deal that respected both the club's and his own terms, confident that his talent would secure favorable terms on his tactical role and position within any team.

AC Milan welcomed Silva's response to their transfer offer enthusiastically. Initially targeting Rivaldo, they swiftly shifted focus to Kaka after his standout World Cup performance, leaving the aging Rivaldo in the background.

Negotiations between Milan and São Paulo, however, stalled over the transfer fee. São Paulo's shrewd leadership, experienced in contract negotiations, initially proposed an exorbitant 30 million euros, though they ultimately settled for 20 million, honoring both the club's investment in Kaka and fair compensation without exploiting the situation.

AC Milan, hesitant to meet São Paulo's asking price, initially proposed 10 million euros, sparking further debate.

Leonardo intervened, playing on emotional ties and highlighting Milan's Brazilian legacy and historic achievements, though he made no binding commitments beyond expressing interest.

Kaka, when pressed, simply directed inquiries to his agent, prompting immediate calls from interested parties.

"Kaka," Silva's voice, tinged with excitement, reached him. "Someone wants to meet you."

"Can you sound any less excited ... Ferguson?"

"You're making this difficult."

After a brief pause, Kaka sighed. "Send him away."

"Why? That's Ferguson..."

"I know him better than you do."

"How so?"

"I fear he's already intrigued." Kaka chuckled wryly.

"Is Milan that appealing?"

"After the glory of the World Cup, it'd be a shame not to pay them a visit."

"The last glory? Wait, we're getting off topic," Silva said, exasperated. "So, how should I respond?"

"Just tell him I dislike England's weather?"

"... I'll find a way to word it."

"Forget it, I'll handle it myself."

Kaka informed Ferguson of ongoing negotiations between AC Milan and São Paulo, setting the record straight on the transfer terms and rejecting Milan's initial offer, insisting on separating signing bonuses from the actual transfer fee. The parties swiftly reached an agreement.

Before finalizing the deal, São Paulo organized a special farewell match for Kaka.

It was a remarkable event, unprecedented in São Paulo's history, drawing over 50,000 fans to Morumbi Stadium. The entire city seemed draped in the number 23 jerseys.

No one cared about the score or the opponent; the atmosphere was electric with the chants of "Kaka Song."

Some called Kaka a traitor, others pleaded with him to stay, but most simply wished him well.

After scoring a goal, Kaka lay on the Morumbi turf, gazing at the sky in silence.

To them, he was family; to him, they were home.

Parting became the prevailing theme in São Paulo that month.

Before the deal was finalized, another significant event transpired.

In 2002, Real Madrid celebrated its centenary with a friendly match against a World Star team. As a member of the World Cup-winning squad, Kaka participated, scoring a goal in the final twenty minutes, as dazzling as ever.

Real Madrid's Sports Director Valdano openly praised Kaka to Florentino after the match, suggesting, "Kaka is currently the world's best young player. At 20 million euros now, in four years, we might have to pay 60 million for him."

Florentino, nonchalant, replied, "Don't worry, when he's worth 60 million, we'll buy him."

Unmoved by Lafayette's V587, he pursued other targets.

On August 31, 2002, just before the European transfer market closed, "alien" Ronaldo transferred from Inter Milan to Real Madrid for 44 million euros.

In the same month, Kaka joined AC Milan for 20 million euros.

Your youth, Milan 22, was about to begin.