Orlando's Kaka eager for 2017 but demands more pressure, winning mentality

ORLANDO, Fla. – Call it unfinished business, professional integrity or just sheer frustration. But Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite wants it to be known there will be hell to pay if Orlando City SC isn’t a playoff team this time next year.

That is about as determined and outspoken as Orlando's captain – otherwise known as Kaká – has been in his two years with the team to date

In a season in which he has made 23 appearances, scored eight goals and chalked up eight assists, Kaká is not happy with sitting on the wrong side of the red line for the second year in a row. Orlando play their final game at Camping World Stadium on Sunday against D.C. United (4 pm ET; MLS LIVE). But the great Brazilian was already looking ahead as much as back at the last two years when he spoke to the media on Thursday.

Kaká said there is no doubt in his mind that he will definitely be back for 2017, but that he wants to see some significant changes.

In the first instance, he wants greater all-round commitment from his teammates, and a club-wide dedication to creating a winning culture.

“The most important thing we need to change for next season is our mentality,” Kaká said. “We need to have a winning mentality and this will change a lot of things. It is different when I just want to win and I can sacrifice something for winning. So this is what I expect for the next season, for the players, for the staff, that we really want to sacrifice something [to reach] our targets.

“In my opinion, the club needs to set some targets for the team, and the coach needs to put some goals and some inside competition. I think it’s fair, and when it is fair competition it is very good for everybody, to put some pressure on us. This is something we need to improve, to get better for the next season, and challenge us to do better.”

The playmaker has experienced that at nearly every previous stop in his career, and the lack of tangible progress on the field with Orlando clearly chafes at the former World Player of the Year, even given the extenuating circumstances with injuries, international call-ups and a change of head coach.

Kaká has been happy with his own form, but disappointed with the series of niggling injuries that sidelined him for almost half of the season's first 20 games. On the plus side, he has started the last 13 in a row, and he insists he is still raring to go for the final season of his three-year deal with the Lions.

“I am still ready and I want to win every game,” he said. “Unfortunately this season I had a few injuries, small injuries, but they took me out of some games. It is part of the game and it is something I can’t control, but next season I will try to get better, physically.

“Next season we have to get to the playoffs, because to stay out and be watching the other teams playing, it is very hard for me.”

Kaká fully expects the Lions to hit the reset button to a certain extent in the next few months, and then to come back to life in the preseason with a mixture of new players and a longer, more consistent learning period under coach Jason Kreis.

“For now, this is a period where we are going to have to wait,” he added. “The coach and the club will work in the offseason on the players who are going to leave and the players who are going to come [in], so we will see what happens. But in these last few games, I think Jason showed us a little of what he wants and what he expects for next season.”

Kreis wants a more defensive-minded, high-pressing team that more closely fits the mold of the one he created at Real Salt Lake, and that suits Kaká down to the ground. Orlando's last three games have been a 0-0 draw, 1-0 loss, and 2-0 win, and, if they can finish off with a flourish on Sunday, there will be a small but definite amount of satisfaction in the group.

As for his own future, the Brazilian remains highly motivated, and especially energized at the thought of the Lions' neww, natural-grass stadium.

“Let’s think about next year and we will see after that what I can do,” he said. “Next year is so important for this club, with this stadium, so it’s important for the players and the supporters to feel that it is our home. I know they feel that here [at Camping World Stadium], but when the thing is yours, it is different to when you rent something.

“I am happy to be part of this and to be here one more year. And we will see if I can play for more than the one [more year].”

Kreis remains convinced there is still more to come from Kaká. He wants his star Designated Player on the field as much as possible, but he doesn’t necessarily see 2017 as his swan song.

“Ricky remains an extremely hungry player,” the head coach said. “I’ve spoken to him and I know that for a fact, and that he would never want to finish his career by being part of a team that would miss the playoffs. That would be a big objective of his, as it will for every member of the group next year … We need to begin to represent ourselves and give the fans what they deserve here.”

More games: friv

Kaká works out for Kreis, will be available against Columbus on Saturday

After missing Orlando City SC's last three games with a calf injury, one of a series of knocks he has endured this season, Kaká is expected to return for the Lions' match against Columbus on Saturday (7:30 pm, MLS LIVE).

"He'll be available, yeah," interim head coach Bobby Murphy told the Orlando Sentinel for a story published in Friday's editions. 

Saturday's match against Crew SC will be Murphy's last at the helm before new coach Jason Kreis takes over, following a break for the 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star Game. Kreis attended training for the first time on Thursday, and he and Orlando City president Phil Rawlins watched as Kaká -- who looked fit during the session -- stayed on for extra work afterward.

The Brazilian star and Orlando City captain has missed 10 games with injuries this season, causing some fans to question whether he was giving the club enough return on his salary, and also was released from Brazil's Copa America Centenario roster because of a hamstring strain.  

So far this season, Kaká has three goals and five assists in nine starts for the Lions.

Kaká unlikely to play when Orlando City faces San Jose Earthquakes

Kaká likely will not be on the field when Orlando City hosts the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 Saturday night.

The team captain, who teammates call Ricky, suffered a thigh injury while away with the Brazilian national team during the Copa America. He began recovery in Brazil before returning to Orlando this week. 

When asked if Kaká would be available when the Lions return to MLS play after a 20-day break, Orlando City coach Adrian Heath said, "I think Ricky's struggling this weekend. Darwin [Cerén] was the one we were hopeful for. He’s out this morning and he’s running around, he’s OK. We’ll see if we get any reaction out of him."

Cerén, one of the Lions best midfielders, has been out for weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Right back Rafael Ramos also has missed time with a hamstring injury. 

"They’ve gradually upped their workload over last week to 10 days," Heath said. "Barring any overnight problems, they may be available, which will be a big boost for us."

Orlando City forward Cyle Larin, who recently returned from international duty with Canada, said losing Kaká is a blow but he thinks the rest of the team is capable of getting a win Saturday.

"Kaká changes the game a lot when he's out there, and he helps me a lot," Larin said. "But I think the players we have will do the same thing they do every other game: work hard, score goals and defend."

Kaka, Neymar not included in Brazil's squad for Copa America

Dunga, Brazil's national team coach, announced Thursday the final list of 23 players that will play in the 2016 Centennial Copa America in the United States from June 3 to 23.

The final 23 came from a shortlist of 40 names released last week, which does not include veteran Kaka, who currently plays in the United States, and gives preference to players who are younger than 23 years old.

This has been seen as a preparation tactic for the upcoming Olympic Games 2016 which will take place in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, throughout August where Brazil will be looking to win the gold medal in soccer.

Even though new players have been incorporated into the team, Dunga has kept his main players from recent teamsheets.

However, soccer star Neymar will not participate in the competition to be held in the U.S. as he can only participate in one international tournament per year in line with Barcelona's conditions, and the national coach has decided to use Neymar in the Olympics instead.

In the 2016 Centennial Copa America, Brazil has been placed in Group B along with Ecuador, Haiti and Peru. The South American side's first match of the international tournament will be on June 8 against Haiti.

Will Milan be forced to sell Donnarumma to balance the books?

Will teenage prodigy Gianluigi Donnarumma be leaving Milanello in summer?

Tuttosport claim that Barcelona, Real Madrid and both Mancunian clubs are ready to fight it out for the Italian talent, and a huge offer may not draw a negative response from AC Milan. 

But why would the Rossoneri be willing to listen to offers, especially when we recently reported that they won't do as much for Alessio Romagnoli?

Well, the fact that they're quite a bit in debt (they made a €91 million loss in 2014-2015), and spent around €86 million in summer for the likes of Andrea Bertolacci, Carlos Bacca and Romagnoli).

It's not like Milan haven't sold before, with the departures of Kaka in 2008, Thiago Silva in 2010 and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2011 proving that the club's accounts are far from rosy. 

Kaka of Punjab lifts 116th Panthal Kesari 2016 title

KATRA, Jan 15: Wrestler Kaka of Amritsar in Punjab lifted 116th Annual Panthal Kesari 2016 title by defeating wrestler Benia Min of J&K Police of Basantgarh, Udhampur in neck to neck contest that lasted for 17 minutes at Panthal, near here.

Kaka was adjudged as the best wrestler in the Vishal Dangal, which was organized by Shri Swami Nitya Nand Wrestling Association under the aegis of J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association.

The Winner of 1st malli bout wrestler Kaka was given a cash prize of Rs 18,000 in additional to “Gurj (Gadda) and Patta” by SP Katra, Sammer Kotwal, Joint Secretary J&K State Sports Council Shiv Kumar Sharma and DySP Katra, Dr Ashok Kumar, while the runners-up wrestler Benia got Rs 13,000 by Retd. SP Prithvi Raj Sharma, Naib Tehsildar Hukam Chand and Social activist and wrestling promoter, Ram Lal Sharma.

Mr Kotwal was the chief guest on the occasion who gave away cash prizes to the winner and runner-up wrestlers, while treasurer Indian Style Wrestling Association of India who is also president J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma presided over the function.

MLS draft reunites a pair of Canadians as Richie Laryea joins Cyle Larin in Orlando

BALTIMORE - The MLS SuperDraft unfolded beautifully Thursday for Toronto midfielder Richie Laryea.

After a series of deals reshuffled the top of the draft, the University of Akron sophomore went seventh overall to Orlando City where he will be reunited with friend and fellow Canuck Cyle Larin.

The two talked the day before the draft, keeping their fingers crossed that they could be roommates next season.

"It's amazing ... Cyle's been my best friend ever since I was nine," said Laryea, who just turned 21. "It's going to be good."

How emotional was Laryea when his name was called at the Baltimore Convention Center podium?

"I started crying a bit," he confessed. "Then my mom told me to man up."

Larin, the first overall pick in last year's draft, was named rookie of the year in 2015 after scoring a rookie-record 17 goals.

"Boom!! Congrats @RichieLaryea — see you in Orlando soon," Larin tweeted.

Chicago, which came into the draft with just 14 players under contract, had the top overall pick and was widely expected to deal it in order to get more assets.

The Fire held onto the pick, at least briefly, selecting Wake Forest midfielder Jack Harrison. Chicago then dealt him to New York City FC for allocation money and the fourth overall pick, which it used to take Stanford fullback Brandon Vincent.

Both come highly touted.

The Philadelphia Union were also busy. Already in possession of the third and sixth picks, they acquired the second selection from Colorado for allocation money and a player to be named later.

The Union used the second and third picks on Georgetown defenders Josh Yaro and Keegan Rosenberry and the sixth on Creighton midfielder Fabian Herbers. The Ghanaian-born Yaro was expected to go first overall by many observers.

Real Salt Lake took North Carolina midfielder Omar Holness fifth.

Toronto FC chose Japanese midfielder Tsubasa Endoh from the University of Maryland ninth overall while Montreal opted for Clemson centre back Kyle Fisher 14th and the Vancouver Whitecaps picked Georgetown defender Cole Seiler 16th.

In Orlando, Laryea can learn his trade alongside Brazilian star Kaka. Coach Adrian Heath believes the young Canadian can help the Orlando attack in a number of areas.

"We just think his upside is enormous," said Heath. "We've watched him very very closely.

"Obviously (there's) the fact that he's big friends with Cyle. We've know about him for a long long time. He and Cyle go back a long way. We just hope he has the same impact that Cyle's had. If he does, we'll have a very good first pick."

Laryea and Larin both came up through the Sigma FC club system in Toronto, joining from rival teams. The two didn't much like each other at first but that soon changed as they developed links on and off the field.

"I think I've given him a fair number of assists while playing," Laryea said with a smile.

Pacey with good vision, the five-foot-nine 150-pounder is coming off a breakthrough season at Akron where he scored a team-high 11 goals and added seven assists.

That was good enough to get him a Generation Adidas deal, which earned him underclassman entry into the draft along with a contract that not count against a team's salary cap.

The first two rounds went Thursday with Rounds 3 and 4 held via conference call on Jan. 19.

Canadians who could draw attention then are Kentucky goalkeeper Callum Irving (Vancouver), Bowling Green midfielder Ryan James (Mississauga, Ont.) and Washington midfielder Josh Heard (Victoria).

Laryea, Harrison, Herbers, Holness and Yaro were all members of the Generation Adidas class, along with Clemson goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell (who went eighth to San Jose) and Syracuse midfielder Julian Buescher (11th to D.C. United).

Irving and Fisher signed contracts with the league on the eve of the draft. Others to sign prior to the draft were North Carolina defender Jonathan Campbell (12th to Chicago), Central Florida forward Hadji Barry (13th to Orlando), Syracuse forward Ben Polk (20th to Portland) and Virginia midfielder Todd Wharton.

This year's crop was billed as heavy on defenders and midfielders and the draft proved that.

The first forward taken was Barry — after six defenders, five midfielders and a goalkeeper.

Players were taken from 10 countries: Canada, the U.S., Jamaica, England, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Belize.

Brazilian Kaka acquitted on tax evasion

Rome, Nov 23 (EFE).- A judge in Milan in Italy has acquitted Orlando City's Brazilian soccer player Ricardo Leite 'Kaka' on charges of tax evasion for lack of evidence.

The judge said that Tamid Sport & Marketing, a company created by the player, was "really operative" and was not formed to avoid paying taxes, as was previously alleged.

Milan prosecutor and lawyer Daniele Ripamonti had asked for the acquittal of Kaka on Oct. 19, claiming that the Brazilian player had granted the rights of his image to a third party for economic interests, not for the purpose of tax evasion.

30 Football Facts That Sound Like Lies

Facts are an indispensable part of the game of football. All the intrigue of the beautiful game is not merely captured by its motions; facts are the tools with which the game connects to its entities off the pitch. Facts in football veer from the palpably basic ones to bizarrely outlandish ones. Here are 30 of the bizarre football facts that sound like lies, but are actually facts.

1. Brazil’s first official match was against Exeter City. The Brazilian national team was born when an all-star team made up of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo’s finest took on the mighty Exeter City in Rio’s Laranjeiras Stadium on July 21 1914, the day when the Brazilian national side was born. The above photo was a poster for the match.

2. England came up with the word “soccer”. It’s a shortened version of “Association Football” that was changed to “Assoc Football”. This was changed to “Soccer”. In 19th century England, it was popular to add the “-er” sound to shortened words.

3. Stefan Schwarz arguably had the most bizarre clause to have ever been inserted into a player’s contract. When signing for Sunderland in 1999, the Swede was banned from travelling into space!

4. Sol Campbell played for five clubs — Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal (twice), Portsmouth, Notts County and Newcastle United — without ever commanding a fee. In a career spanning almost two decades, Campbell played more than 500 club games in English football without ever having had a price tag.

5. After losing a play-off against local rivals Boedo for the right to their black-and-white-striped kit in March 1907, Boca Juniors agreed to visit Buenos Aires harbour and take the colours of the first foreign ship to come in. The 4,146-tonne freighter Drottning Sophia arrived from Copenhagen, flying the Swedish flag and the rest is history. When the club released a limited-edition 105th anniversary shirt in 2010, it even bore the yellow and blue national flag on the front.

6. St Patrick’s Athletic just won the 2015 League of Ireland Cup without beating a league team. They received a bye in the first round, beat non-league Crumlin United 4–1 in the second round (the League of Ireland Cup includes a small number of invited non-league teams), then beat Cork City, Shamrock Rovers and Galway, each on penalties.

7. In 1998, lightning killed an entire football team. This tragedy occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a match between the villages of Bena Tshadi and nearby Basangana. Strangely, the lightning annihilated all eleven members of the home team, while all of Basangana’s players were spared with severe burns at worst. This disparity caused many locals to blame the event on some sort of sorcery or witchcraft!

Kris Boyd in Glasgow Rangers colours

8. Scottish striker Kris Boyd managed to be the top scorer for two separate teams in the same season, having moved from Kilmarnock to Rangers in January 2006. He ended the season with 17 goals for Killie and 20 for Rangers in the 2005/06 season, which was good enough to be top scorer for both teams.

9. The English club to have held the world transfer record the most times is Sunderland, who broke it for Warney Cresswell in 1922, Bob Kelly in 1925 and Trevor Ford in 1950. The last English club to hold it was Newcastle United when they paid £15m for Alan Shearer in 1996. Real Madrid have broken the world transfer record the most times (5) for Figo, Zidane, Kaka, Ronaldo and Bale. The last team other than Real Madrid to break the transfer record was Lazio when they paid £36m to Parma for Hernan Crespo.

10. The record for the longest FA Cup tie is held by Oxford City and Alvechurch, who took six ties to sort themselves out in 1971–72. Their record can no longer be broken because of the rule change that limits FA Cup ties to one replay.

11. Former Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham has played for eight different clubs and one country whose basic colours were red and white. Higginbotham, who started his career at Manchester United, turned out for Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Royal Antwerp, Nottingham Forest and Altrincham in his long career, all of whom had red and white as their basic colours. And he also played internationals for Gibraltar, another team with red and white on their kits.

12. Sunderland (6) have more top flight league titles than Chelsea (5), Manchester City (4), and Tottenham (2). Also, Kevin Phillips is the only English player to win the European Golden Shoe. And he played for Sunderland the year he won it.

13. Dutch second division side and erstwhile winners of the Dutch championship NAC Breda’s name expands to Nooit Opgeven Altijd Doorzetten Aangenaam Door Vermaak En Nuttig Door Ontspanning Combinatie Breda.

14. The most prolific goalscorer of all-time is Josef Bican, an Austrian-Bohemian striker who played for Slavia Prague in the 1930s and 1940s. Bican, it is claimed, scored more than 805 goals in his career. His record for Slavia stood at 534 goals in 274 official games at a rate of 1.95 goals per game.

15. Aston Villa finished their league campaign in 11th place when they won the European Cup in the 1981/82 season. It was the lowest league finish for a team winning the European Cup.

16. Jari Litmanen holds an incredibly unique distinction: he is the only footballer to have played international football in four different decades. Litmanen made his senior Finland debut against Trinidad and Tobago in October 1989 and played his last game in November 2010 against San Marino.

17. Burton Albion hold the record for the most away fans at a Manchester United game. 11,000 Burton fans made it to Old Trafford in January 2006 for a FA Cup third round tie. Burton’s home ground, Pirelli Stadium, has a capacity of only 6,912.

18. Sunderland (6) have more top flight league titles than Chelsea (5), Manchester City (4), and Tottenham (2). Also, Kevin Phillips is the only English player to win the European Golden Shoe. And he played for Sunderland the year he won it.

19. Kettering Town were the first British team to have a shirt sponsor. In 1975, the club brokered a four-figure deal with local firm Kettering Tyres and in a Southern League game against Bath City on January 24 1976, they became the first British club to run out with a company’s name emblazoned on their shirts.

20. Northampton Town once made their way up from the Fourth Division to the First Division and then back down to the Fourth Division in the space of 10 seasons. They played their only season of their existence in the top division of English football when they reached the First Division in 1965–66. Northampton had been promoted from the Fourth Division to the First Division in the space of five seasons but were then relegated back to the Fourth Division by 1969–70.

Zinedine Zidane playing for Bordeaux

21. French outfit Girondins de Bordeaux hold the record of the longest cup competition run. In 1995/96, the Bordeaux side featuring Zinedine Zidane, Christophe Dugarry and Bixente Lizarazu had a 20-game European campaign. Here is their run in full:

Bordeaux 6–2 Norrkoping (Intertoto Cup group stage)
Bohemian 0–2 Bordeaux (Intertoto Cup group stage)
Bordeaux 4–0 Odense (Intertoto Cup group stage)
HJK Helsinki 1–1 Bordeaux (Intertoto Cup group stage)
Bordeaux 3–0 Eintracht Frankfurt (Intertoto Cup round of 16)
Bordeaux 2–0 Heerenveen (Intertoto Cup quarter-finals)
Karlsruhe 0–2 Bordeaux (Intertoto Cup semi-final, first leg)
Bordeaux 2–2 Karlsruhe (Intertoto Cup semi-final, second leg)
Vardar 0–2 Bordeaux (Uefa Cup first round, first leg)
Bordeaux 1–1 Vardar (Uefa Cup first round, second leg)
Bordeaux 2–1 Rotor Volgograd (Uefa Cup second round, first leg)
Rotor Volgograd 0–1 Bordeaux (Uefa Cup second round, second leg)
Bordeaux 2–0 Real Betis (Uefa Cup third round, first leg)
Real Betis 2–1 Bordeaux (Uefa Cup third round, second leg)
Milan 2–0 Bordeaux (Uefa Cup quarter-final, first leg)
Bordeaux 3–0 Milan (Uefa Cup quarter-final, second leg)
Slavia Prague 0–1 Bordeaux (Uefa Cup semi-final, first leg)
Bordeaux 1–0 Slavia Prague (Uefa Cup semi-final, second leg)
Bayern Munich 2–0 Bordeaux (Uefa Cup final, first leg)
Bordeaux 1–3 Bayern Munich (Uefa Cup final, second leg)

22. Eredivisie side Willem II from Tilburg are named after King Willem II of the Netherlands. Tilburg housed his military headquarters.

23. Diego Maradona once played for Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentine legend donned the whites of Spurs against Inter Milan at White Hart Lane in Ossie Ardiles’ testimonial game back in 1986. Here is the video of El Diego wooing the British crowd.

24. Benfica won the European Cup the first two times they entered it but have not won it in 29 appearances since then.

25. The city of Lusail where the opener and final of the 2022 World Cup will be played has not been built yet.

26. No English manager has won the Premier League title. Leeds United’s Howard Wilkinson won the old First Division title in 1991/92, and since then there have been two Scots, a Frenchman, a Portuguese, two Italians and a Chilean to win the Premier League title, but no Englishman.

27. Aston Villa used only 14 players in winning the First Division championship in 1980–81. Given teams nowadays name more than that number in match day squads, Villa’s record is unlikely to be broken ever unless under extraordinary circumstances.

28. Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney dislocated his jaw while instructing his defenders in a match against Birmingham in 1975. In those days there were no goalkeeper substitutes and midfielder Brian Greenhof went in goal and kept a clean sheet.

29. Dundee United have played and beaten Barcelona 4 times in professional fixtures, giving them a 100% win record. The Terrors beat the Spanish giants home and away in the UEFA Cup in the 1966/67 season and 1986/87 season.

30. Something which defies belief is the fact about Neil Armstrong and his desire to take a football to the moon. Armstrong originally wanted to take a football to the moon – but Nasa deemed it to be un-American. And comparable to the Armstrong saga would be the Masal Bugduv saga. The fictional Bugduv made the rounds in various publications in 2009 as a wunderkind set for his big move to the European elite. You can read about the entire saga here.

MLS: In form Revolution beat Toronto FC 3-1

TORONTO (AP) -- Diego Fagundez scored for the third straight game and Lee Nguyen set up two goals to help the New England Revolution beat Toronto FC 3-1 on Sunday for their fifth straight Major League Soccer victory.

New England has outscored its opposition 13-2 during the winning streak. It also has a seven-game unbeaten streak.

Fifth-place Toronto dropped six points behind fourth-place New England in the Eastern Conference.

New England took a 2-0 lead in the first half on Fagundez's goal and an own goal from Toronto defender Damien Perquis.

Robbie Findley scored for Toronto early in the second half, ending New England's 340-minute shutout streak. Kelyn Rowe completed the scoring in the 71st minute.

In Orlando, Adrian Winter scored his first two MLS goals as Kaka-less Orlando City beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 to end a six-game winless streak.

Winter, acquired by expansion Orlando City on July 29, put away a free kick -- which he won -- from Luke Boden on a header from the top left of the box to the bottom-right corner in the third minute. He also scored in the 71st, and Bryan Rochez also had a goal.

Krisztian Nemeth scored for Sporting KC.

Top MLS, English Premier League teams may meet in new tournament

Major League Soccer wants to hold a competition between the league and cup winners from the United States and England.

In recent years, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool have played in an annual friendly tournament in the U.S.

“In the past we have had discussions with the Premier League about creating some friendly tournament with their top clubs and our top clubs, and I would love to see that happen,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber told The Associated Press at the SoccerEx convention on Wednesday.

Garber would like a competition between the English Premier League and FA Cup winners and their U.S. counterparts in New York every year or every four years.

“There are calendar issues, there are a wide variety of logistical issues, but if we were able to put it together, speaking on behalf of Major League Soccer, we would love to find a way of getting it done,” Garber said.

“There have been no discussions (with the Premier League) whatsoever that are specific to the details, and there is certainly no agreement in place.” 

Kaka aims to earn a spot on Brazil 2018 qualifying team

Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka said his goal is to remain with the Selecao for 2018 World Cup qualifying after the two September friendlies in the United States.

The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner, who played on Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning squad, was a surprise inclusion on Dunga's 24-man squad for two important tests against Costa Rica and the United States. Brazil will face Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena on Sept. 5, before taking on the U.S. team at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 8.

"This year we have four matches more after the two friendlies, and I would like to be part of this group so I will do everything possible," Kaka told ESPN. "In this moment, though, I am thinking about the short period, what I can give to the national team in this moment. I hope at these two friendlies to do everything to stay on national team."

Kaka, the 33-year-old former Milan and Real Madrid player, was included after being left out of the squads for the 2015 Copa America and the 2014 World Cup.

The five-time World Cup champions Brazil will open their World Cup qualifying campaign away against Copa America holders Chile in October.

Their first two home games will be against Venezuela in Fortaleza in October and Peru in Salvador in November.

"I see the national team in a transition period right now. Since the World Cup they have done a great streak with, I think it  was 11 matches won and that is a good streak," Kaka said in reference to Brazil having won 10 friendlies in a row headed into Copa America. "And then the Copa America and the loss against Paraguay raised questions again, but I think with patience and all of Brazil behind us we will return to being a credible team."

Brazil lost their second group game in the Copa America to Colombia and were then knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in quarterfinals.

Kaka is the most veteran player in a squad for the two friendlies that includes Neymar, Hulk, Lucas and Oscar but omits Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva.

During his professional career, Kaka made more than 89 appearances for Brazil, playing in three World Cups and winning a World Cup title in 2002. The midfielder last featured for Brazil in October 2014, coming off the bench in friendly victories over Japan and Argentina.

He has played a crucial role in Orlando City's inaugural campaign, and the club has attributed his current drought of no goals and just two assists in the last five games to an ankle knock.

"The league is growing a lot," Kaka said of MLS. "Our club is in its first year and it's not easy becausee you are starting a team from zero, new players and a series of things that make a difference in football and so it is not easy.

"But I am happy to play in this league, I see it growing and I know what it can do in future. After I signed with Orlando, many other players who had options in other markets decided to come here.

"I don't know whether my decision influenced them but the fact is that they are here. [NYCFC's Andrea] Pirlo, [LA Galaxy's Steven] Gerrard, [NYCFC's Frank] Lampard, [Galaxy's Gio] dos Santos, [Montreal's Didier] Drogba are all here and for the next markets and transfer windows more will come to play here."

Orlando star Kaka not on trip for LCFC friendly

Brazilian international star Ricardo Kaka won't be among those Orlando City SC stars visiting Louisville this week as the Major League Soccer club travels for a friendly with Louisville City FC.

A Louisville City FC announcement Sunday evening noted Kaka flew back to Orlando after Saturday's 5-0 loss to Toronto FC.

Also, the window for Orlando's open practice Monday at Louisville Slugger Field narrowed to 3-4 p.m., a half hour shorter than originally scheduled. But afterward, United States National Team member Brek Shea will be available for a 30-minute meet and greet with fans.

"Hosting this meet-and-greet a day before the club hosts Orlando City is one more way we can show our appreciation to our fans as we continue to showcase the club and the city of Louisville on a national stage," said Amanda Duffy, Louisville City FC's general manager.

Kaka, the Lions' top designated player, registered nine goals in the club's first 18 games this season. In six appearances since, however, he's scoreless.

"Something wrong with Kaká? Not from where I'm watching," Orlando president Phil Rawlins told MLSSoccer.com last week. "He's had a bit of an ankle problem recently, which has limited his training, but he seems fine to me on the field. And, when you see how he works out every day with his fitness coach, how fit he is and his ability to last a full 90 minutes in the Florida heat, we don't have any worries that there's any let-up."

Making a lasting impact at a club in just five months is a tough task for many, but Orlando City star Kaka has thrived in his playmaking role for the expansion side in Major League Soccer. 

In 21 matches for the Lions this season, Kaka has contributed nine goals and four assists to a club in contention for one of the six play-off positions in the Eastern Conference. 

“It’s not easy, but it’s been a challenge for us to put these 25 players together and create a team. I think our coach [Adrian Heath] is doing a very good job. I’m happy where the team is at. Hopefully at the end of the season we can at least celebrate [a berth in the] playoffs," the Brazilian told Bleacher Report recently.

One of the key shifts in the player's mindset since starting his first game in purple has helped him produce for the club and lead by example. The highest paid player in the league, per the MLS Players Union salary database, is using the pressure to succeed as a positive. 

“Everywhere that I’ve played, there’s been this type of pressure. Sao Paulo, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Brazil national team. I’m used to this situation," Kaka said.

"Now with more maturity and experience, I can convert this pressure into motivation. It’s not a negative thing now for me. It’s a positive thing, so I can work on that and take this as motivation for every game," he continued. 

The former FIFA World Player of the Year is not the only one putting in impressive performances week in and week out for Orlando City. Kaka specifically pointed out a few of his teammates have also started the season well in a recent interview at Major League Soccer headquarters in New York City. 

“Darwin Ceren is a very good player. He’s doing a very good job. Brek Shea. I didn’t know him before so I’ve had the opportunity to play with him and he’s very good. [Kevin] Molino, who is injured, but for sure he’s going to help us in the next few years," Kaka said. 

In his most memorable display of leadership yet, Kaka honored the injured Molino, who is out for the season with an ACL tear, by pulling on the winger's jersey after scoring a penalty in his side's 4-0 win over the LA Galaxy on May 17. 

As for the environment in Orlando, the fans are creating one of the best atmospheres in MLS by packing the Citrus Bowl for every home match. Orlando will move into a soccer-specific stadium in 2016. 

“It’s been amazing every time we play at Citrus Bowl in front of all the supporters. Every time in every moment in every situation. Our average now is 33,000 for games. This is great. It’s much more than anyone could’ve expected," Kaka said.

Although the Citrus Bowl doesn't rival the Bernabeu or San Siro in terms of its history with the beautiful game, Kaka was able to make one key comparison between the stadiums. 

“It’s similar in a way that the supporters support the team and stay with you. The Bernabeu has 80,000. Every game we have over 30,000 and we feel the motivation, and it’s the same because it’s pushing us to win," the Brazilian said. 

One of the unique parts of life in MLS is the wide range of traveling done by each club in a season. Unlike Europe, some of the cross-country trips could be over 3,000 miles, depending on where each side is located. Instead of dreading the trips like some new players to the league have in the past, Kaka is taking a different approach.

“I’m enjoying the travel because I’ve been in cities I’ve never been in before. I can see how this league is really growing in not just one part of the country but everywhere. It’s not a problem because we travel every 10 to 15 days. It’s not a big deal," he said. 

Another issue some older players coming over from Europe face is the artificial turf at some grounds in MLS. Thierry Henry famously refused to play on the surface during his time with the New York Red Bulls. Although the turf isn't ideal, Kaka just sees it as part of the game. 

“I don’t have any problem playing on turf. For sure, I prefer to play on the natural field. Our field is turf. In our new stadium, it will be natural. I have no problem to play on a turf field," the Brazilian explained. 

One oddity about MLS Kaka spoke volumes about was the parity throughout the standings. On any given day, the last-placed side in the league could spring an upset on a team such as Seattle, D.C. or LA. 

“That’s very good because it creates competition between the teams. Nobody can lay down. Nobody can just give up in the middle of the season because everyone can have a chance to be in the play-offs at the end," he said.

"I think that’s very good and for us as players it makes us ready for every game. You have to be ready for every game because you don’t know what’s going to happen. I think it’s a positive thing," Kaka continued. 

Although five months is a small sample size to judge the skill levels of certain opponents, the midfielder did go out of his way to praise a few stars he's already encountered on the MLS circuit. 

“There are some players [who have impressed me]. The midfielder of Columbus, No. 6 [Tony Tchani]. He’s a very good player. [Clint] Dempsey is very good, and [Bradley] Wright-Phillips is playing very good," Kaka said. 

While he may be one of the top figures in MLS at the moment, Kaka is only one of a handful of Brazilians to ever set foot on an MLS pitch. He believes that is about to change for not only Brazilian stars but those coming over from Europe in their prime like Sebastian Giovinco has already. 

“Yes I think so. Here it’s creating a market. China is a big market but China is more for the money. Here is the market for the professional career. Here is going to create a lot of opportunities for South Americans, North Americans and Europeans as well and play a career of five to 10 years. I think the future is going to be a great opportunity [for foreigners] to be here," Kaka said. 

As for the status of the Brazil national team, the 33-year-old, who has 89 caps for his country, remained optimistic about the Selecao despite their recent struggles:

“[The] Brazil national team right now is a transition moment. We just came from a very tough World Cup. After that, I think Dunga did a good job winning games. But there is a long way to the next World Cup so he can still work on that. Every game, every step I think Brazil is going to bring the confidence back."

One way the Selecao can bring confidence back to themselves and the proud footballing nation is to win the Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Not only will the men be looking for redemption but the Brazilian women will be looking to enhance their status in the sport after an early exit at the Women's World Cup this summer.

“The Olympics would be great for us. As an event for Brazilians, it will be a great event, but in soccer, there is much more meaning because Brazil’s never won the Olympic games. So it will be a great opportunity for us to get this gold medal. For the women, I think it’s a great opportunity as well. The United States and Japan are one step ahead of us, but the motivation for the women to play at home will be a big point for us," the scorer of 29 international goals said.

As for what the future holds, Kaka decided to keep the focus on his current situation in Orlando ahead of the play-off push. 

“I don’t know. I’m focusing in the moment now. I have this year and two more [in Orlando]," he concluded.