World Club Champions Photo

Kaka Wins FIFA World Player Of The Year Award

Brazil and AC Milan midfielder Kaka has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award for 2007.

A Runaway Winner

It has been a spectacular season for Kaka, littered with trophies and awards, and he made sure nobody ran away with the final plaudit of the season.

The Champions League, European Cup and Club World Cup winner saw off the challenge from Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in the poll of national team coaches and captains to win by more than 500 points.

He had 1,047 points while Messi had 504 and Ronaldo 426, making it a runaway win like in the Ballon d'Or.

Didier Drogba was fourth, a further 200 points off, with 209, while Ronaldinho came in fifth.

A Special Night

"Tonight is really special for me," said Kaka.

"When I was young I dreamed of playing for Sao Paulo and playing just one game for the national team.

"That was it...but the Bible says God gives us more than we ask for and that is what has happened in my life.

"I had always thought about winning this (FIFA) award," said Kaka. "But there are always doubts until it is actually confirmed.

"It is not just this award but the whole year that has been very nice. Winning the Champions League and everything that has happened, it's just been wonderful."

A Word For Local Rivals

The Milan man was also asked about the derby clash against Inter this weekend.

"We want to do well because it's the last game of the season and a great chance to recover some lost ground," he said.

"If we then also win the three games we have to recover, we can rise up the table and get close to the teams on top.

"We are not afraid of anyone."

Pele Praise

Pele, who gave away the award, said: "Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have played some great football this year but they are not yet the most prominent players in their national teams," Pele said.

"Kaka has been playing at this level for Brazil for four years now, he helps out in midfield and he is also a great example off the pitch. He's the complete player."

HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH!

The President had asked for a promise and the team kept it. That is why this morning he was happy and convinced that the lads were charged at the right points – THE WORDS OF PRESIDENT BERLUSCONI -

MILAN – These are the declarations of President Silvio Berlusconi last night with Milan Channel at the end of the television program 'Controcampo':

President, during the Christmas dinner of Milan, you had asked for a promise, that of becoming World Champions and the team kept it.
“Promises given and kept, like it happened many times in these past 20 years. I believe, therefore, that we Milan fans, continue a great dream which has been going on for a very long time and my commitment, which can be from now onwards, is to continue this dream and I believe that the Milan fans can count on it."

Milan avenged history as it’s not done by everyone to play again a final against Liverpool and Boca Juniors and winning them both.
“Yes, it’s difficult that such an occasion can happen, both having the revenge and the win. We have reached the first objective, not because of our merit, but the second for our complete merit and therefore we are happy."

After the first two goals it seemed like in 1990 when Rijkaard and Stroppa had scored. Inzaghi, we expected that, and Nesta scored. Did you expect a goal by Nesta?
“Football is mostly irrational; a lot is due to luck, a lot to skill, effort and chemistry that a team can develop. There’s nothing to be surprised about that a defender scored, just like the equalizer was scored by an attacker who is not particularly good at heading, all alone in the middle with six Milan defenders. This is football."

Did you feel this win? Before the match in Athens you said that you called Pippo Inzaghi. Did you call anyone in particular before this game?
“I called everyone, I was close to all of them. I did not go there before I had important commitments right now in the Italian situation, but I was serene. This morning I sat down in front of the television and I had a full serenity. I was convinced that our lads were charged well. We saw our opponents and I was convinced with Milan’s superiority over Boca Juniors and I hoped that some bad luck or irrationality, of which I spoke before, would intervene. And it went this way, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!”

Where can Kaka arrive? He is receiving the individual awards all this year.
"He just needs to confirm what he did this year. He would be happy and all of us would be very happy.”

A comment on Paolo Maldini?
“It’s a career of an extraordinary man and champion, a dedication like no other, a man who made the history of Milan and that he will always remain in our hearts, and I hope he remains at Milan."

This competition has been defined as ‘world derby’, in the next days there’s the Milanese derby. Will you ask for another effort to the team?
“After a great win, relaxation is physiological, but the game against Inter is always a different game than others. Therefore I’m sure that they will go on the pitch with the conviction that they will have to play for the win and therefore will be on the pitch wanting to be masters of the pitch and the game."

Alexandre Pato will arrive in January. Ancelotti talks well about him. What do you expect?
“We expect the gestures of a great champion, of a rejuvenation of the entire team. I spoke with Carlo Ancelotti of what could Pato bring to Milan and he told me that if he continues to play like we see him in the training games between the lads, it ends up that between January and June he will score 30 goals. 'Will you write it down Carletto?’ – I asked him. 'Written down no, but I'm convinced that there are many possibilities that he can reach this target.' - told me Ancelotti."

The fans also wait for Ronaldo.
"We’re all waiting for Ronaldo. He has been with Milan for the past 6 months, even with a respectable wage, and practically he has never played. The machines cannot find any negativity in his physique and muscles, there’s something we are missing, something psychological and now we shall put him for a nice and intensive psychological cure, otherwise we shall take him to Lourdes, hoping not to find it closed!

“Through Milan Channel I want to wish my colleagues, sick of Milan and the Milan religion, an affectionate hug and a wish to each one of them, that they can transform all dreams and desires that in their hearts for themselves and their loved ones in reality."

Kaka: I Want Milan Forever

AC Milan superstar Kaka has declared that he wants to stay with the club for the rest of his career.

The Brazilian magician was in scintillating form yesterday, scoring once and setting up both of Filippo Inzaghi’s goals as the Rossoneri defeated Boca Juniors 4-2 to win the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

Before the match Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani stated that Kaka would sign a new, long-term contract with the club in the summer, and that he swore he would remain until he retired.

"On the 30th of June of next year, Kaka will sign on until 2013," Galliani said.

"Kaka has sworn that he will remain at Milan for his entire career. He gave his word. He's our symbol and our flag."

Kaka himself has now confirmed that this is exactly his intention.

“It's great here, I want to stay forever," the 2002 World Cup winner smiled.

Kaka has had a magnificent year, winning the Champions League, European Super Cup, World Club Cup and the Ballon d’Or.

He is also expected to pick up the FIFA World Player of the Year award, when the winner is announced today.

Two AC Milan players have picked up the prize in the past; Marco Van Basten in 1992 and George Weah in 1995.

MILAN: WORLD RECORD!

They defended the European pride and reached the absolute record of world cup wins (four). However, Milan broke another world record: that of the number of trophies won. They are 18, no other club like us! No one!

YOKOHAMA - The win in the Club World Cup is not only a great result for the team of Carlo Ancelotti. It's not just the crowning of a great 2007, which saw Milan win the Champions League at Athens, the European SuperCup at Montecarlo, and today, the Club World Cup in Japan. It's not just the European pride which imposes for the first time on the South American one since the change of the tournament formula (Liverpool and Barcelona both lost against San Paolo and Internacional de Porto Alegre). Between Milan and Boca there was at stake also a double record: that of intercontinental success and that of international trophies. A double record which was coloured in red and black.

Rossoneri and Argentineans, before this game, were both at 17 international wins: from now on, Milan is ahead of everyone, on the top of the world, higher than any other team.

A TRIUMPHANT STANDING!

MILAN: 18 Trophies
Boca: 17
Real Madrid and Independiente: 15
Al Ahly: 13
Ayax-Liverpool-Barcellona-San Paolo-Zamalek: 11
Juventus: 10

The head to head with the Argentineans therefore goes to the Milanisti. Hereunder is the palmares of the two teams who faced each other today at Yokohama:

THE 18 TROPHIES OF MILAN

4 Intercontinental Cups, 7 Champions League, 5 European SuperCups, 2 Cup Winners Cup

THE 17 TROPHIES OF BOCA

3 Intercontinental Cups, 6 Libertadores Cups, 2 Cope Sudamericane, 1 Supercopa Sudamericana, 1 Supercoppa Masters, 3 Recope Sudamericane, 1 Copa De Oro.

The game in the game was about the World Cup tournament of Japan. Milan is in the history books, Milan is the only club to have triumphed 4 times in the world: in 1969, in 1989, 1990 and in 2007!

Boca remains with three (1977, 2000, 2003), just like Real Madrid, the Brazilians of San Paolo and the Uruguay sides of Nacional and Penarol. The world record is of the Rossoneri, and therefore, let's re-build the 'intercontinental' mosaic, which from today has a new unforgettable piece:

THE 4 ROSSONERI'S WORLD CUPS

1969: MILAN-ESTUDIANTES 3-0//ESTUDIANTES-MILAN 2-1

1989: MILAN-ATLETICO N. MEDELLIN 1-0

1990: MILAN-OLIMPIA ASSUNCION 3-0

2007: BOCA JUNIORS-MILAN 2-4

Ancelotti Delighted, But Eager For More Success

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is more than pleased at AC Milan's annus mirabilis, but he's eager for the side to repeat their feats next year...

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, it's fair to say, will look back on 2007 with fondness.

"This year has been perfect, and we kept the promise we made to the club president - now we'll try to do it again in 2008," he grinned.

Ancelotti seemed to indicate that the Club World Cup and the Champions League were both high-priority tournaments that may have led to some difficulties in Serie A.

Regardless, he's delighted to have another trophy to add to his collection.

"We struggled at first, but we were brilliant in the second period against Boca," he said.

"Thanks to good preparation, we were able to bring home a great victory for Italian football in general.

"It's a great way to end an excellent year, thanks to that most important and marvellous of matches."

Milan had won three prior Intercontinental Cups before, but never had they or any other European side, won the Club World Cup per se since the tournament format changed.

Still, for some fans this is scant consolation, as the rossoneri are falling behind at home. Ancelotti, though, has no such worries.

"In January the season begins anew, and we'll be major players in Europe and Serie A alike," he promised.

INFINITE PRIDE

Inzaghi was so emotional he was 'without words. I thought 2007 had already given me a lot and instead...'. Kaká calls the victory 'special'. The group enjoys the trophy. - THE WORDS OF THE ROSSONERI -

YOKOHAMA - Here are the declarations made by the rossoneri following the Club World Cup final, Boca Juniors-Milan (2-4), which gave Milan the title of World Champions:

RICKY KAKA'

"It was a match and a championship I cared about a lot, as a Brazilian and a Milan player. Participating in this competition and this victory is something special. There have been many great moments for me this year. I was top scorer in the Champions League and I will never forget that title, as well as some of the games I played. Particularly the two goals I scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but especially the return game against the English at San Siro, my first goal, the rain, the victory. It was a perfect evening. Then Paris, everything that happened on 2 December, from the moment I woke up until the end, to the meeting with the fans at the Piazza Duomo. It was an unforgettable day.
Not to mention this day... I won the award for the best player of the match. But I won this prize thanks to the whole squad, the group. And so I, like the group, have decided to give my part to Fondazione Milan. I was a bit worried about my nail, I had pain in a very painful spot. Before the match I felt some pain, but once I was on the pitch it all went away. I just wanted to win."

FILIPPO INZAGHI (who was reached by Rino with the trophy in his hand)

"It's a great joy, it was a truly extraordinary 2007. I thought this year had already given me a lot, instead it gave me this great emotion too. I'm speechless, there are no more words to describe what I feel."

PAOLO MALDINI

"This is great, it's hard to keep playing until 39 years of age with a great team like Milan, a club that has always given me the possibility to play for something important. Today I feel truly satisfied about what I've done."

RONALDO

"I'm happy about this important victory for the whole club. Too bad my injury prevented me from playing this match. I couldn't make it, but my team mates did well, and managed to win this Cup. I hope to get back on the pitch soon to give my contribution again, I have to get better as soon as possible. There were a few Brazilian flags, that was nice to see. Also tonight Kaká showed he is a lad who never ceases to surprise people and it's only right he gets all these individual awards now."

EMERSON

"I was waiting for this moment because I was forced to stay out for a month due to physical problems, now I'm doing well and for that I must thank the whole club, the team, the Coach because mine was not an easy physical problem to solve, but fortunately now I feel better.
After a month without action the training sessions I had here in Yokohama were very useful for me, these days in football you can't play if your condition isn't the best. I really thank the whole medical staff which has been really good for me and all the team mates who were close to me. This month hasn't been easy at all for me, especially seeing my team mates go out on the pitch and being unable to help them. But I was thrilled to go out and give my contribution in such an important match. I saw a very young Boca team, compared to other times I've seen them play, I think they lacked a bit of experience, other times they played better. This evening they did not close down well and gave our players the chance to our players to play their football. Now as soon as we are back in Italy we'll think first about the Coppa Italia and then the derby."

MARCOS CAFU

"It seems incredible that after 2002 I've come back here to win another Cup. Also this final was a great emotion, especially because it came on Milan's birthday. Tonight I came in to help, to contribute, to give a hand and of course I wouldn't have minded if I scored. I told the Coach we would have to fight until the end. When the Coach calls me to give my part I am always ready.
Personally I feel good physically, I'm mentally calm after a difficult period I went through two years ago, I think that if I keep on doing like this I will continue playing after June. With this trophy I'm a part of history because I won it both with a South American team and an Italian team, and certainly it's something that gives me satisfaction because it comes after years of hard work."

CLARENCE SEEDORF

"I received the prize for the second best player of this tournament, I'm very happy and proud because this team showed it was ready at the right time. These individual prizes are nice, but they come after the group. I'm also happy for Kaká, for his first place and I'm happy that two Milan players have brought home these prizes. This is a team that after the last five-six years still has motivations, humility, and willingness to sacrifice themselves, then of course success comes to those who deserve it."

RINO GATTUSO

"The secret of these victories is the group. After many years we are still all together here winning. You could see the motivation by how we prepared this tournament in these twelve days, because we all wanted this Cup. We came here to play for the victory and bring home this trophy."

Milan Crowned World Club Champions

Boca Juniors 2 - 4 AC Milan

AC Milan have become the first European team to win the Club World Cup as they defeated Boca Juniors in a thrilling final in Japan.

AC Milan have become the first European team to win the Club World Cup as they defeated Boca Juniors in a thrilling final in Japan.

Filippo Inzaghi netted twice and Alessandro Nesta and Kaká were also on target as the Champions League winners saw off the challenge of the Copa Libertadores holders in style.

Boca netted through Rodrigo Palacio and an own goal from Massimo Ambrosini, but it was not enough to prevent Milan from making history and clinching the trophy.

In front of a packed stadium in Yokohama, the Rossoneri took the lead after 21 minutes as Kaká saw his effort blocked before picking up the rebound to find Inzaghi and the poacher slotted home from six yards.

Within a minute, however, the Argentinian outfit were level as Palacio headed in an equaliser while Milan were still settling down after their opener.

The game was played at a high tempo and as the pace did not drop after the break, Nesta stepped forward to hammer Milan back into the lead in the 50th minute.

Kaká was in sparkling form as he looked to drive the Italians forward, while at the other end Boca came close to a second equaliser when Hugo Ibarra's long range effort struck the woodwork.

As the match continued though, Milan began to take the upper hand and it was fitting that Kaká added his side's third goal as he poked the ball through the keeper's legs just after the hour mark.

The encounter was over as a contest with 19 minutes remaining as Inzaghi netted his second of the evening after Kaká supplied the pass once again.

There was still time for Boca to reduce the arrears and they were given a helping hand by Ambrosini as he beat Dida with five minutes left on the clock.

Kaka With Us Until 2013, Promises Galliani

Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has made an important promise which will surely please all the team's fans: Kaka will extend his contract in June.

Even though he is in Yokohama to follow Milan's Club World Cup final, Galliani is still focusing on his duties as he confirmed that Kaka is set to extend his current deal by two more years, that is his contract will now expire in 2013.

"The current agreement expires in 2011," explained the General Manager.

"But on the 30th of June of next year, Kaka will sign on until 2013."

"Kaka has sworn that he will remain at Milan for his entire career," he continued.

"He gave his word. He's our symbol and our flag."

Galliani then spoke about the recent war of words between Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho.

"First of all, let's clear it up that Mourinho never offered himself," he insisted.

"Then I repeat that Milan aim on a coach who has grown with us.

"There are many around right now, but Ancelotti is not and will never be in doubt, despite the results."