Kaka Named 74k-Seater English Stadium With Amazing Atmosphere

· GiveMeSport

Kaka once explained how Manchester United fans made playing at Old Trafford feel like a 'spectacle'.

Kaka is right up there with the very best Selecao stars to have graced the sport, a genius who lived up to Pele's vision of the beautiful game. After starting his career at Sao Paulo he arrived in Europe with AC Milan in 2003 and showcased his magical playmaking abilities.

A unique attacker who blended incredible creativity with remarkable acceleration to cause the opposition defenders nightmares. He starred at the San Siro before heading to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kaka won the Ballon d'Or two years prior after helping Milan win the Champions League with one of the best individual campaigns the competition has witnessed. During that season, he came up against two of England's biggest clubs and proved just why he was the best player in the world.

Kaka ended up on the losing side when he visited Old Trafford and faced Manchester United in the semi-finals of Europe's elite club competition. He was on target twice in a 3-2 defeat before netting in a 3-0 win in the second-leg at the San Siro to help send Milan to the final where they met Liverpool.

The Brazilian previewed the return leg at the time and spoke glowingly of the United fanbase and its influence at the Theatre of Dreams: "The game at Old Trafford was a real spectacle and I’m convinced the second leg will be another amazing game. I was hugely impressed by the atmosphere inside Old Trafford."

After Ronaldo opened the scoring for United, Kaka responded with a brace to give Milan a 2-1 lead at half-time. He recalled how the home support stuck behind their team:

> "Even at half-time when they were losing 2-1, the United fans were still singing and getting behind their team. I’m sure our fans will show the same kind of spirit."

The Stretford End's passion played a role in Sir Alex Ferguson's men coming from behind to win that game. Wayne Rooney's brace ensured the Red Devils took a 3-2 lead on aggregate to the San Siro, but they were put to the sword in Milan.

Kaka certainly entertained at Old Trafford and Ferguson gave him his flowers after the first leg: "The obvious threat was there for everyone to see last week in the shape of Kaká. Kaká is the obvious threat. I thought he gave a terrific performance and we have to pay attention to that."

The Brazilian went on to win the Champions League after Milan beat Liverpool 2-1 in the final and he got himself an assist on the night. He visited United's famous ground twice during his career, winning the first 1-0 with the Rossoneri in 2005.

While United fans were able to watch Kaka at his very best in front of the Stretford End, they could have ended up doing so on a regular basis. The Brazilian's name had seemingly been jotted down on Ferguson's wishlist amid a meteoric rise in Italy.

Kaka once revealed that Ferguson had tried taking him to Old Trafford but failed to persuade him to leave the San Siro. The 2002 World Cup winner said in 2011: "Once he wanted to sign me and my brother while we were with Milan, but we chose to stay."

Ferguson wasn't blown away by one man who was voted as the best player in world football.

The former 92-cap Brazil international is one of many all-time greats never to have played their football in the Premier League. He instead wrote his name in La Liga and Serie A's history books.

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