Real greed killed Kaka move, says Galliani

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani said the reason the club failed to sign Kaka was because Real Madrid asked for an unrealistic transfer fee.

The Brazilian enjoyed immense success during a six-year spell at the Italian side but has struggled to leave a lasting impression in the Spanish capital, leading many to believe there was a possibility he would make a return to Milan.

However, Galliani said it was Madrid’s doing as to why a return for Kaka did not realise.

“The story about Kaka is a closed chapter for me,” he told Corriere dello Sport.

“Real Madrid wanted 18 million euros – a figure that given his age and salary demands made a deal frankly unthinkable.”

While Madrid’s asking price may have been steep for a 30-year-old who has had multiple injury problems, 18m euros would still represent a massive loss on the 68m euros los Blancos paid for the Brazil international in 2009.

The Rossoneri may have missed out on Kaka, but they signed Mario Balotelli from Manchester City for approximately 19m euros in an attempt to give them more attacking options as they attempt to challenge for a Champions League place.