AC Milan: Berlusconi Would Welcome Return of Legendary Playmaker Kaka

From 2003 to 2009, Milan was graced with the presence of one of the greatest player's of the current footballing generation.

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known by his world renowned nickname, Kaka, is arguably the greatest attacking midfielder in the game today, or at least based on his play from a few years ago. He joined Milan after three seasons as a first team player at Sao Paolo, where he had been since 1994 as part of the youth system.

In his six years at Milan, Kaka won it all. He won the Scudetto in 2004, the Italian Super Cup the same year, the UEFA Champions League in 2007, the UEFA Super Cup in 2003 and 2007, and the FIFA Club World Cup. On top of all his club honors, the Brazilian World Cup champion was also named the 2007 FIFA World Footballer of the Year for his role in leading Milan to a seventh Champions League triumph, which included 10 goals and three assists, one of which was the game winning assist to Filippo Inzaghi in the Champions League Final in Athens against Liverpool.

In January 2009, Kaka turned down an astronomical transfer fee and contract offer from Manchester City to remain at Milan, where he said he wanted to one day wear the captain's armband. However, in the summer, when Milan were facing a horrible financial crisis, Kaka decided to leave when Real Madrid offered Milan $96.75 million for his services. The playmaker had said it was to help the Rossoneri and he never closed the door on a possible return.

That door has been opened slightly more.

Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi spoke on Radio Kiss Kiss recently and said that the Rossoneri would love to have their legend back. This comes as rumors continue to build linking Kaka with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu after two disastrous seasons which have seen him injured more often than not.

"Kaka is an extraordinary man," the Italian Prime Minister said. "If he wants to come back to Milan we will welcome him with open arms."

Rumors are linking Kaka with a move to Chelsea to be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti, but the former Milan manager could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Milan's interest comes as they continue the search for a permanent replacement to Kaka. Since 2009, the likes of Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Antonio Cassano, and several others have all tried their hand at the attacking midfield position, but no one has seemed to fit the bill.

The Rossoneri have long been favorites to land Brazilian playmaker Ganso, but every day, the move seems less and less likely to happen for the 21-year old as Brazilian giants Santos are unwilling to sell their star player.

Another option being explored by Milan is Erik Lamela, the 19-year old Argentine wonderkid currently playing for River Plate.

Why not bring Kaka back? He is 29 and still has a few solid years of football left in him. He seems to not be in the plans for Jose Mourinho with players such as Mezut Ozil, Angel di Maria, and Nuri Sahin being brought into the club. By the time he is finished, its likely that Alexander Merkel could be ready to fill the position. He has been injury plagued in Spain, but he was also more comfortable playing for AC Milan.

Is a move for their former hero that crazy? There are not many other trequartistas out there with his caliber and he would be a great fit into the current system, especially being reunited with several former teammates as well as compatriots Pato, Robinho, and Thiago Silva.

I do not think a move for Kaka is the first choice of Milan, but it would not be a bad thing.

What do you think? Should Kaka return to the Serie A champions? Should he remain at Real Madrid? Or should he go to Chelsea?