Brazilian star Kaka announces retirement

In this file photo, Kaka of Brazil reacts during their 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Venezuela in Fortaleza, Brazil, Oct. 13, 2015. (REUTERS)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: Former Brazilian World Cup champion Kaka announced his retirement as a player Sunday, suggesting that a management career at his old club AC Milan could be on the cards.
“I am preparing to continue in football and to have a different role, but I will no longer be a professional player, an athlete,” he told Globo television.
“I would like to take part in a club in a role more like... a manager, a sporting director — someone between the field and the club.”
Kaka, 35, said AC Milan “recently made this proposal.”
On his Twitter feed, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner, who was part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team, posted a prayer.
It read: “Father, It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey. In Jesus name. Amem.”
During a storied career, the attacking midfielder also starred at Real Madrid and finished his playing days at US club Orlando City in Major League Soccer.