The globalization of MLS continued on Thursday as all-world Brazilian midfielder Kaká agreed to sign with its Orlando City franchise as their first designated player. The 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year is one of the most accomplished players in the world, but recently opted out of his deal with AC Milan after one season in Serie A. Kaká is past his prime, but his link to the Orlando City owner is believed to be behind his move to the states.
Franchise owner Flávio Augusto da Silva is a native Brazilian who has openly expressed an interest in importing Brazilian footballers to Orlando City and at the age of 32, the time has come for Kaká to join a league that's becoming globally heralded as football's Field of Eleusis.
“One day, I would like to play in America,” Kaká said to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in March. “Let’s see. At the end of the season, I will talk to [general manager Adriano Galliani]. Not just to speak about bonuses and money — money is not the main thing for me now, and I think that is understood. I want to see what his ideas are and what the club’s ideas are. If it turns out I need to move, I will choose the MLS.”
The Orlando City expansion franchise won't take the field until 2015, which means that in the meantime Kaká will likely join Brazilian side São Paulo or remain with AC Milan on loan until the next transfer window in January.
