That's what Milan president Berlusconi exclaimed when Brazilian star Kaka told him he doesn't want to leave the club
|
|
Staying put: AC Milan star Kaka won't be going to Man City. PIC/AFP |
That's what Milan president Berlusconi exclaimed when Brazilian star Kaka told him he doesn't want to leave the clubAC Milan president and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has ended transfer speculation surrounding Kaka by telling a TV programme yesterday that the 26-year-old Brazilian will be staying at Milan.
The former World Player of the Year had been the subject of a reported 100 million euro bid from mega-rich Manchester City in a transfer saga that had been picking up pace over the last week.
Berlusconi said last week that with the money on offer he could not force Kaka to stay if he wanted to leave. But he seems to have changed his mind and has now claimed that he had intervened personally to ensure the fans' favourite will be staying in Italy.
"Both I and he (Kaka) have intervened," said Berlusconi.
"When I heard him say that he prefers to stay, that he doesn't feel like he has lost the opportunity to earn a higher salary and that he feels privileged to wear the shirt, he values the closeness and the friendships, the heat and affection that all the fans have shown him even in these last two days, I said 'hallelujah' and we hugged," he told '7 Gold'.
"Kaka is and is staying at Milan." However, Berlusconi then opened up a little doubt.
"I give my word on the things that depend on me. At the end of this affair I don't know if I will still be president of Milan, as much as I am not any more," he said cryptically before seeming to settle the matter once again.
"He has taken himself off the market with this decision to stay loyal to the contract he has with Milan.
"A contract signed on a piece of paper with a stamp but now we can say with certitude that it was signed with the heart."
He added in an interview with Sky Sport 24: "That's the end of the story. I am truly delighted to have kept Kaka at Milan.
"Kaka is a great champion and a great man. He's refused the offer from Manchester City giving privilege to Milan, his companions and his fans.
"He said it's because money isn't everything in life. Kaka is staying with us and we're delighted. Money is important but there are also other things that are important.
"The fans are delighted too. Turning down so much money is something to admire."
The English also confirmed on its website that the affair was at an end.
"Manchester City has terminated its discussions with AC Milan over the possible transfer of the player Kaka," read a statement.
"Following a meeting in Milan today, the Club felt that it was unlikely that the two parties could reach common ground for an agreement.
"The discussions reached only a preliminary stage and the player was not involved at any time. No commercial terms were framed.
Earlier in the day Milan fans had held a vigil outside his home begging Kaka to stay at their club.
They only went home late after their idol acknowledged them from his window for the second time.
