Brazilian Legend Kaka announces retirement from football

Former Brazil, AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has retired from football at the age of 35.

The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner had been weighing up whether to continue playing at a new club after confirming he would not renew his contract at MLS side Orlando City in October.

Kaka posted a prayer on Twitter to announce his decision to hang up his boots, writing that he is "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) December 17, 2017

He also indicated he could continue his post-playing career in football.

"I am preparing to continue in football and to have a different role, but I will no longer be a professional player, an athlete," he told Globo television.

"I would like to take part in a club in a role more like... a manager, a sporting director - someone between the field and the club."

Kaka began his career at Sao Paolo before earning a move to AC Milan where he won the Serie A title and the 2007 Champions League