Kaka discusses Hall of Fame induction, tonight’s derby and the Milan project

AC Milan legend Ricky Kaka will be inducted into the Rossoneri’s Hall of Fame ahead of tonight’s derby, which he believes is anyone’s game.

As confirmed in the last few days, after inducting the likes of Marco van Basten, Filippo Inzaghi, Andriy Shevchenko and more, it’s now time for Kaka. The Brazilian is one of the greatest players to have even worn the red and black shirt, scoring 104 goals and assisting another 81 in 307 games.

The ceremony will take place before tonight’s derby clash between AC Milan and Inter, which is a very important game for the Rossoneri. A loss would leave them 10 points behind the top, so hopefully Kaka’s presence and celebration can act as fuel for the team.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Kaka shared his thoughts on the Hall of Fame, his memories of the derby and what will be needed from Milan tonight. He also commented on the Rossoneri’s project as a whole, stating that time is needed.

What kind of welcome do you expect?

“I’m getting ready. My family will be there. My wife, daughters, my brother, and many friends. I also wanted to thank the fans who voted. I can imagine the atmosphere. It’ll be exciting.”

What do you remember about your first derby?

“A header from a cross by Rino Gattuso. It was also my first goal for AC Milan. Fantastic. The city experiences this match in a special way; among my memories, I’d logically put the Champions League derby in the quarterfinals. The comeback from 3-2 was also fantastic.”

You mentioned Gattuso, who as a coach, after changing many clubs, is doing well with Lazio…

“Being a coach is a tough job. Rino is doing really well now. He has a very special character, he’s someone who always wants to win, and I’m happy he’s able to express himself to the fullest. He’s a great friend, I always cheer for my friends and I’m very happy.”

Will you ever become a coach?

“Let’s say no, for now. The pressure of the coaching job isn’t for me. But we can talk about it again in a couple of years.”

Speaking of friends, what do you think of the Paolo Maldini and Leonardo affair with the national team?

“I’m amazed at how little time passed before their resignations. It’s difficult to judge from afar, but I think it would have been a good thing for Italian football to have such competent people at the helm. I hope Italy regains its place soon.

“There are so many things to manage, from youth development onwards. I often meet with former players who live in Italy and ask questions. Italy at the World Cup is a good thing for football as a whole.

“Plus, my connection to Italy is incredibly strong; I try to return at least once a year, and more if I can. In recent years, we’ve visited the art cities, Florence, Venice, but also the lakes, Capri, and the sea. And Sardinia is wonderful.”

Let’s get back to football. Were you surprised by Milan’s collapse last season?

“I think all the fans expected us to qualify for the Champions League. Was it a physical or mental decline? Maybe a bit of everything. When confidence starts to wane, everything changes. Now, however, we must aim to return to the best of Europe. The Champions League is special.”

Do you like this Milan?

“It’s under construction. For seven years, it was Leao’s Milan, a great player on whom a lot of trust was placed. Now it’s different. The team is a collective with new faces and two masters: Modric remains the brains, then there’s Rabiot. And Ramos is a goalscorer.

“It will take some time to put it together. The important thing is to always aim high, even in the Europa League.”

What kind of relationship did you have with the Inter fans?

“A relationship of great respect. Inter helped me grow a lot because I’ve always looked at competition as something that helps me grow, so I saw the matches against Inter or Juventus as important matches, and I had to prepare well because the team was very strong, the opponents were very strong.

“But with the Brazilians of my time, Maicon, Julio, and the others, there was friendship. And also with the Argentines: many others were and remain friends, like Materazzi.”

How do you see Inter on this evening, which will be special for you?

“They are still doing well after last season. They’re a team to beat, but we Milan fans can do it already in this derby. Chivu as a coach was a nice surprise; Inter didn’t play well at the start, but then they corrected their position. But I wouldn’t say the Scudetto is a one-man showdown like you might think in Italy.

“I see the game as open and the road to the title even more so. The season is long, but Milan must aim to be consistent. So far they’ve done better in the league than in Europe, there will be moments of decline in the other teams and we’ll have to take advantage of them.”

Ancelotti and Brazil. What do you think?

“Not great at the World Cup, but it takes a bit of time. The national team is different from a club where you’re there every day evaluating players. Carlo was only able to work with the group for a year.

“For the next World Cup, it will be five years of preparation, five years with these guys, learning the culture of the country, knowing a little about what it’s like to play in the World Cup with Brazil. So I have a lot of confidence.”

You won the Ballon d’Or in 2007 and no one had any reason to argue. This time they gave it to Harry Kane, and Lamine Yamal doesn’t seem to have taken it too well. Your opinion?

“The right choice. Harry Kane has done very well, he was a key player with Bayern Munich and won a lot. Mbappé didn’t win much with Real Madrid, Lamine had success with Barça but wasn’t as decisive as expected. Their time will come, but I think the choice based on their performance this season is acceptable.”

Let’s get back to the derby. Who are the key players?

“Modric and Rabiot are masters, they manage and set the pace. Pulisic enchants me with his intelligence in the game, Goncalo is a goalscorer. As for Inter, what can I say? They are a consistent, solid team and have many dangerous players.”

Do you have any favourite places in Milan?

“I like walking downtown, I like Brera, I love the hidden corners. Drinking coffee, talking to people.”