Kaka announces retirement from football

The Brazilian, who was a free agent after his contract with Orlando City expired, announced his decision in a post on Twitter.

An emotional return to AC Milan or Brazil had been mentioned but the attacking midfielder, who has been plagued by injuries during his career, has decided to retire.

There has been no indication from Kaka about his next move but it has been suggested in Italian media that he may take up a role with AC Milan.

Kaka made 270 appearances for the Italian side and it was there he won the Ballon d'Or in 2007 after he helped the club win the Champions League.

He was briefly the most expensive player in the world when Real Madrid paid €67 million for his services, only to then pay even more for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kaka struggled to replicate his Milan form in Spain as injuries halted his progress, while the team was soon built around Ronaldo.

He eventually returned to Milan before becoming the marquee signing of Orlando City when they joined MLS.