‘A friend forever’
Kaká says he will not renew his contract with Orlando City
Soccer legend Kaká will not be an Orlando City player much longer.
“As you all know, my contract with Orlando City ends this year. My final decision is not to renew,” Kaká announced at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
He said his “first cycle” with the
club is over, but he can see himself returning one day as an ambassador, general manager or coach.
Kaká said his announcement was “just for that,” not mentioning retirement and leaving open the possibility of playing one more year in his native Brazil, among other options.
The Lions’ captain will conclude his MLS career when Orlando City hosts the Columbus Crew Sunday at 5 p.m., skipping the season finale at Philadelphia Oct. 21, a spokesman for the club told the Orlando Sentinel.
Kaká will still play in a friendly match with Puerto Rico to benefit hurricane victims after Orlando City’s season concludes.
“I will honor this jersey ’til the end as always,” Kaká said.
His father was among those close to Kaká who attended the press conference Wednesday, along with longtime friend and
Orlando City teammate Antonio Nocerino.
Orlando City majority owner Flávio Augusto da Silva and CEO Alex Leitão sat on either side of Kaká during the announcement, thanking him for his contributions to the club.
“This is your home and these doors will always be open to you. This is your home and your name will always be honored in this building,” Augusto da Silva said.
Kaká, 35, brought instant credibility to Orlando City when he joined the club after previously being a FIFA World Player of the year, Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup Champion. He played in three World Cups, won a UEFA Champions League title with Milan, was a FIFA Club World Cup winner, a Serie A (Italy) and La Liga (Spain) champion.
There aren’t many titles he hasn’t earned. His goal was to get another one in MLS with Orlando City before he retired, but the club fell short and was eliminated from playoff contention during the weekend for the third consecutive year.
After beginning his career with Brazilian club São Paulo, Kaká played two stints with Milan (2003-09; 2013-14) and spent four seasons with Real Madrid in between.
Orlando City signed Kaká as a designated player ahead of its inaugural 2015 MLS season. He’s been the face of the club ever since, providing veteran leadership and guidance, and is the highest-paid player in the league with a $7.167 million contract.
His jersey is among the top-selling in MLS and he was named to ESPN’s 2017 World Fame 100 list, coming in at No. 18.
His faith guided him through his career, and his work on the field matched his work in the community, where he mentored children and made appearances at local churches.
Kaká leaves as a threetime MLS All-Star and Orlando City’s all-time leader in assists, but he’s drawn criticism for multiple injuries.
He started and played in 28 of 34 games in 2015, scoring nine goals and seven assists. Last year he started 23 of 24 appearances for nine goals and 10 assists, and this season he has 17 starts in 22 appearances, six goals and five assists with two regularseason games left.
Leitão said the club made Kaká an offer for one more year with the team. That offer likely was for significantly less than his current contract.
Before thanking fans and saying his Orlando City teammates will have “a friend forever,” Kaká clarified remarks he made to Brazilian outlet Globo, which incorrectly implied that body aches and pains factored into his decision.
“Pain wasn't and won't be the base of my decision. As a soccer player, everybody has some sort of pain and we sacrifice our bodies,” he said. “My decision is not based on my physical condition.”
As for his next move, that’s an announcement for another time.
“What’s next for me is just this moment,” he said. “The only thing I know right now is that I'm not going to be an Orlando City player next season.”