Why Milan Should Not Replace Ronaldinho with Kaka

There has been increasing reports of late that Real Madrid playmaker Kaka is set for a return to Milan, the club he left just over a season ago.

There has also been the suggestion that if Kaka does make a return to his former club, fellow Brazilian Ronaldinho will depart ways with the Rossoneri.

It is well known that Ronaldinho and Milan have struggled to agree on a new contract, and there has been speculation for some time that Ronaldinho may leave the San Siro sooner rather than later.

Now 30-years-old, Ronaldinho has enjoyed an amazing career where he has won every single major honour collecting two world player of the year awards along away.

But in recent times, Ronaldinho has not looked the same player, and despite a number of impressive displays last season, which had many claiming he was "back", including this author, his form this season has so far been largely inconsistent.

Ronaldinho lacks the motivation he once had, and given his uncompromising stance on the terms of a new contract, he may very well leave Milan come next summer, if not this coming January.

In anticipation of this likely eventuality, Milan seem set on bringing back former fan favourite Kaka as Ronaldinho’s replacement.

Most Milan fans would love to see Kaka once again don the red and black of the Rossoneri. His humbleness and loyalty to Milan was undeniable, and his performances were legendary, particularly in the 2007 Champions League edition where he led Milan to glory in Athens.

But a return to the San Siro for Kaka is perhaps not the best move for Milan to make.

Sure, Kaka is perhaps a more suitable player for Max Allegri to have given his preference for playing with a traditional trequartista. Kaka would also be a much harder worker than Ronaldinho, and his more professional behaviour would be a great asset in a team full of egos like Ibrahimovic and Robinho.

However, like Ronaldinho but for different reasons, Kaka is not the same player as he once was. Injuries have curtailed his career ever since leaving Milan, and his stint at Real Madrid has so far been unsuccessful.

There is no reason why Kaka, upon returning to Milan, would all of a sudden return to fitness and form.

Returning to Milan did not help Shevchenko again realise his best as he continued to struggle with form after returning from his Stamford Bridge hell. Therefore, there is no rationale for suggesting that Kaka will be any different.

If Milan is really to move forward, the signing of stars clearly past their prime needs to cease. In place of Ronaldinho, Milan needs to look for a player on the rise. They need to look for "the next Kaka".  

Kaka will always have a special place in the heart every Milan fan. He gave so much to Milan and its fans will forever be indebted to him. However, times have changed and the club needs to look after its own future rather than try and again save the career of yet another former star of the game.