New Straits Times

Kaka back to discuss AC Milan role

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time when it was most in need of reform,” prosecutor­s said in a pre-sentencing memorandum.

Napout received near-monthly payments from October 2010 until March 2015, totalling millions of dollars.

He also tried to destroy evidence by attempting to get his computer out of CONMEBOL headquarte­rs upon his arrest in Switzerlan­d in December 2015.

Napout did not testify in his own defence. His team argued that there was no concrete evidence that he had illegally accepted any money.

Nap out’s defenc e attorneys had asked for a lighter sentenced for the father of three and grandfathe­r, citing his “exemplary life” — save for his conviction.

“My husband is not perfect but then who among us is?” his wife Karin Forster told the judge.

Of the 42 individual­s originally indicted, three have since died and 22 have pleaded guilty. Marin and Napout were convicted, and one other — Peruvian former football boss Manuel Burga — was acquitted.

Another 14 remain in their own countries, where they have been tried by local courts, are fighting extraditio­n or are still free.

The US investigat­ion also precipitat­ed the downfall of longtime FIFA president Sepp Blatter and his former heir apparent, Michel Platini. MILAN: Former AC Milan and Brazil star Kaka has returned to Italy amid reports Wednesday he is set for a backroom role with the fallen Serie A giants.

The 2007 Ballon d’Or winner is reported to be looking at the possibilit­y of joining the club’s board along with fellow AC Milan icons Leonardo and Paolo Maldini.

Another ex-Milan teammate Gennaro Gattuso has coached the seven-time European champions since last season.

“I often talk with Leonardo, we are friends, but the role that I will have at Milan we have not yet discussed,” Kaka told journalist­s after his arrival in Italy.

Kaka spent six seasons with Milan before joining Real Madrid in 2009 but returned for a season on loan in 2013. He won one Serie A title and the Champions League with Milan.

The 36-year-old will attend AC Milan’s first home game of the season at the San Siro against Roma today, after the club lost their opener 3-2 in Napoli.

“Now my priority is my children living in Brazil, which is the reason why I did not arrive at Milan before, but Leonardo and Maldini bring me even closer to Milan.”

For now he will join sporting director Leonardo and Maldini, sporting strategy and developmen­t director, and study as a manager, with the possibilit­y of helping the club’s scouting in Brazil.

“I want to understand what I’d like to do in the world of football,” added Kaka, who retired last year after a glorious career playing at the San Siro, Real Madrid and Sao Paulo before finishing at MLS side Orlando City.

 ?? EPA PIC ?? PSV players celebratin­g after their victory over BATE Barisov.
EPA PIC PSV players celebratin­g after their victory over BATE Barisov.
 ??  ?? Juan Angel Napout
Juan Angel Napout

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