First time lucky for Kaká

By Paolo Menicucci

When Kaká joined AC Milan in the summer of 2003, the Rossoneri had just won the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford. However, the Brazilian has not had long to wait to experience a final for himself as Milan prepare to take on Liverpool FC in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Big moment
"I have been talking with Paolo [Maldini] and 'Billy' [Alessandro Costacurta] because they are used to playing in this kind of game," Kaká told uefa.com. "For them, Istanbul is just another final, like the six or seven others they have already played. For me, it's different. This is not a final, this is THE final!"

Tiredness tells
After Milan squeezed into the final on away goals following a 3-1 defeat at PSV Eindhoven in the semi-final second leg, some Milan players blamed tiredness for their performance. Four days later Milan lost at home against Juventus FC and since then draws against US Lecce and US Città di Palermo have cost them the Scudetto.

Batteries recharged
However, Kaká insists his side have now had enough time to recharge their batteries. "We were not at our best against PSV and Juventus because we had played two games a week for a long period, but now we have had a few days' rest," he said. "Anyway, the physical aspect is not crucial in a game like a final."

Wary Brazilian
Still, the Brazilian international knows Liverpool will be a difficult team to beat at the Atatürk Olympic stadium. "They are playing very well," he said. "They defend in numbers and make the best of the opportunities they have. We must be very careful in the early stages of the game. Conceding an early goal, as we did against PSV, would make everything much more difficult for us.

English heart
"They may have a Spanish coach and several Spanish players but they still play like a normal English side," added the former São Paulo FC player. "They are physically strong and their key player is English, [Steven] Gerrard. He is a very good player and a real leader. Every Liverpool attack passes through him."

Team skills
After a fantastic debut campaign at Milan when he led his team to the title, Kaká has been less impressive this term, but the 23-year-old is satisfied with his second season at the San Siro. "I'm more mature compared to last season," he said. "It has been a very useful season for me and I have learned many things. Maybe I haven't score as much as I did last season, but I have made more assists and played more for the team.

Known quantity
"I don't think my game has changed since last term," he added. "I just think people now know what I do. I'm thinking not just in terms of defenders, but also the press. Last season there was a lot of excitement every time I did a simple back-heeled pass - now people expect that from me."

Humble player
Despite the star billing, Kaká remains the same humble, cheerful player who first signed for Milan in 2003. "I'm young, I have just started my career and I still have a lot to do in football," he said. "I don't consider myself a star and I thank God for the opportunity to play in Europe with a great team like Milan."

Istanbul beckons
If the playmaker can come up with the goods on 25 May, Milan fans may be thanking God for sending them Kaká.