On joining Real Madrid for a world record £59m, Brazilian playmaker Kaka revealed that England's David Beckham, a former team-mate at AC Milan, convinced him to move to the Spanish captial.
He also said that the current global downturn convinced him now was the right time to switch.
"I can officially say I'm a Real Madrid player," the 27-year-old said, who turned down a move to the Premier League and Manchester City in January. "My professional link with AC Milan finishes now, but my sentimental link will never end.
"I spoke to some friends, like Beckham, who has already played for Real. He said it's a fantastic place to play. I spoke to him this past week and he kept helping me, he said I made a positive choice for my career's growth.
"Real
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"Now another chance came up and AC Milan is in a big crisis (financially). For me, the sporting project (at
"I wanted to stay on at
"So then, I spoke with the
Kaka also revealed that new Real president Florentino Perez has been busy "making contact" with potential targets as he looks to revive his 'Galacticos' project.
In Perez's previous stint with the club, he oversaw the acquisitions of global stars of Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham, as well as Zidane.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery have also been linked to the Spanish capital club since Perez's unopposed election signalled the return of their vast spending.
Kaka continued: "The president (Perez) is already making contact (with potential signings) and is putting together a competitive team, one which will try to once again become champions in
"They have historic players there already, such as Raul or Casillas. Real
He also revealed that although the deal was only announced last night, it had been in the pipeline for some time, adding: "I wanted this move to be announced sooner. For me it's a relief that it has been announced now, although I have always be 100% focussed on the national side.
"I've been weighing up the offer from Real Madrid a lot. It's an important project for me to continue growing in my career. I'm not going to Real Madrid for money, as I had other offers. But I knew I would only leave
"Only small details were missing, such as the medical exams I passed this morning. The deal was sealed long time ago".
He also said he hoped to put an end to
"This will be a tough season at Real Madrid, after all that Messi conquered with
"They're the big favourites and deservedly so. I hope
Meanwhile he revealed he fell uncomfortable taking on the number five jersey once worn by Zinedine Zidane.
Perez had admitted he would like to see the Brazilian playmaker take on the shirt, but Kaka said he would not feel comfortable doing so.
He said: "Wearing the number five would be a great responsibility. Zidane was a great player, both for Real Madrid and for
"We're going to wait a bit before deciding which one to use."
And finally he had words of gratitude to
"I will be 33 years old by the time the (
"I'm not thinking today in ending my career at 33. I expect to write history there and sign a new contract, who knows, until 35. May be I'll retire then."
He added: "I want to thank
"I'm happy to leave
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