[D-Kin]

Kaka shoulders the burden Saturday 8 December, 2007

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Ballon d’Or winner Kaka insists he enjoys the responsibility of leading Milan to Club World Cup glory.

“This is a very important trophy for the South Americans, so myself and my teammates will do everything we can to win and write our name in the history of football,” said the Brazilian.

He was in the side that lost to Boca Juniors in 2003, but four years on he has become a key figure in the Rossoneri line-up.

“I like responsibility. I know I am here and what is expected of me, so it is true that things are different for me compared to the last time I played in this tournament,” said Kaka, who could face Boca Juniors again in the Final.

“Right now we are focusing only on the semi-final. As for the rest, I don’t like the idea of revenge. In 2003 Boca won and that is all there is to it. We have to look forward.”

Milan enter from the semi-finals and do not yet know the name of their opponents. Sepahan defeated Waitakere United 3-1 and the winner of their match with Urawa Red Diamonds will decide who goes on to face the Italians.

“We watched the game to get a good idea over our next opponents and will be careful to take notes during Monday’s quarter-final.”

Kaka will have even more pressure on him to deliver, as Ronaldo looks set to miss out completely after failing to train for the past three days.

“He has overcome more difficult moments than this, when he was out for two years with that knee injury. I hope he can return soon and get a string of games under his belt.

“The thing that is troubling him is the feeling he’s not part of the squad because he can’t play in the matches. This is why we all talk a lot during this training camp in Japan, as we want to show him he is part of the side.”

It is increasingly unlikely Il Fenomeno will be back in action before the Milan derby on December 23.

“We don’t know when he’ll be back, but when we talk – and we often do – we don’t discuss injuries. His calf muscle is still troubling him, but that is for the medical staff to think about. We take care of Ronaldo the man and our teammate.”

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