Former Brazil midfielder Kaka announces retirement from football

Former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Brazil midfielder Kaka has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.

The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner spent last season playing in the MLS with Orlando City but announced in October that he would not renew his contract at the Florida club.

Kaka has now confirmed his decision to hang up his boots, taking to social media to declare himself "ready for the next journey".

Father,
It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I'm now ready for the next journey. In Jesus name. Amem.

Pai,
Foi muito mais do que eu pedi ou imaginei!Obrigado! Eis-me aqui para próxima jornada. Em nome de Jesus. Amém. pic.twitter.com/PofZBAV0BE

— Kaka (@KAKA) 17 December 2017

Kaka began his career at Brazilian giants Sao Paulo, making his debut in 2001 and earning a place in the Brazil squad for the 2002 World Cup, which the Selecao won.

The playmaker then moved to AC Milan in 2003 where he truly exploded onto the scene, winning the Serie A title and the 2007 Champions League, as well as becoming the last man to win the Ballon d'Or aside from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

After sealing a then-world record £56m move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2009, Kaka lifted the La Liga title and Copa del Rey during his time at the Bernabeu.

Kaka then returned to Milan in 2013 for a season before joining Orlando City and spending three years at the MLS outfit, as well as having a loan stint at Sao Paulo until City entered the league in 2015.