/ 20 January 2009

Kaka stays at AC Milan, Man City move off

Kaka is staying at AC Milan and will not move to Manchester City, the two clubs said on Monday, ending what could have been a world-record transfer.

Kaka is staying at AC Milan and will not move to Manchester City, the two clubs said on Monday, ending what could have been a world-record transfer deal.

Media reports said English Premier League side City, the world’s richest club, had bid €110-million for the Brazil playmaker and were offering wages never seen before in soccer.

The two clubs differed on the reasons for the collapse of talks, with Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi saying the 26-year-old had turned City down.

”Money is not everything for Kaka, there are things more important than money. We are happy,” the Italian Prime Minister told Italian television.

”We offered the player the chance to consider the offer …but he has higher values.”

City, owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, said an agreement with the Serie A side had not been possible.

”Manchester City has terminated its discussions with AC Milan over the possible transfer of the player Kaka,” a City statement said.

”Following a meeting in Milan today, the club felt that it was unlikely that the two parties could reach common ground for an agreement. The discussions reached only a preliminary stage and the player was not involved at any time.”– Reuters