Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in the same summer transfer window.

Their careers would go in very different paths though. The Portuguese superstar would go on to establish himself as one of the best in history, winning four Ballon d’Ors, four Champions League titles and several other honours during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.

For Kaka, it was clear that his best days were behind him. He had a decent season or two at Real Madrid, but was nowhere near as influential as he had been at his peak in AC Milan, even winning the Ballon d’Or on one occasion.

Thus, while Kaka’s career would fizzle away, Ronaldo would reach unimaginable heights only matched by a certain Lionel Messi.

Almost a decade-and-a-half since that summer, now, it is Ronaldo who finds himself struggling to produce his best, and recently joined Al-Nassr. Kaka praised his former teammate’s desire to win though.

Former Real Madrid star Kaka makes Ronaldo claim

As reported by GOAL, Kaka told Gazzetta dello Sport about Ronaldo:

“I think he wants to quit football by playing. I understand him, he is a special player. Players like him bring to the team a simple concept. Winning is not like losing. I have the feeling that many young players don’t understand this. If they win, it’s great, if not it doesn’t matter. It’s not like this. Maldini was a great example of this. He had won four Champions League and he wanted the fifth. Players like him make the difference, Zlatan can still be useful thanks to his mentality.”

Many have questioned and criticised Ronaldo’s decision to leave European football and join Al-Nassr. But perhaps, it ultimately comes down to his desire to play and win.

That is all Ronaldo has done throughout his career. So, it is very possible that he does not want to end his career at a club where he will have to sit on the bench for the majority of the time or a team that will not be competing for trophies.

Ronaldo is set to turn 38 years of age a few days later and there is no doubt that he is in the twilight of his playing career. His current deal with Al-Nassr runs till the summer of 2025. So, maybe the only thing he wants to do now is to go out as a winner.

Source: therealchamps.com