Brazil's Kaka excited to work with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid

The start of a beautiful relationship: Kaka, right, says he is relishing the prospect of working with Jose Mourinho, left, at Real Madrid
 
The Brazil playmaker expressed his admiration for the Portuguese coach, who left Inter Milan to join the Spanish side last month, and said he is thrilled to be joining forces with him in Madrid.

"I really want to work with him," said Kaka, who is training in South Africa with the Brazil squad. "He has won everything with the teams he has coached so far and I'm very happy that now he is with Real Madrid."

Mourinho agreed a four-year deal with Real Madrid after leading Inter Milan to titles in the Champions League, the Italian league and the Italian Cup this year, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in the world. He is only the third coach to win the European Cup with two teams after securing the trophy with Porto in 2004.

"I'll be hoping that he does the best he can and that I win many titles with him at Real Madrid too," Kaka said.

Kaka also said he would be happy if Mourinho brought Inter Milan right back Maicon, his Brazil teammate, with him to Madrid. Recent reports have suggested Maicon may be moving to the Spanish club.

"He has played well with Inter and is one of the great players in the world," Kaka said. "Whichever team ends up with Maicon will be well-served."

The 28-year-old Kaka also said he has already agreed to exchange jerseys with Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo when Brazil plays Portugal at the World Cup on June 25 in Durban. It will be the teams' third match in Group G, which also has North Korea and the Ivory Coast.

"We didn't bet anything, just that we will exchange jerseys," Kaka said. "We have a good friendship and a lot of respect for each other."

The playmaker sees Spain as one of their biggest rivals as Brazil look to win their sixth World Cup.

"The Spanish team arrives as a favourite," Kaka said. "They have been playing well recently. They arrive as a favourite because of how they play as a group and because of their individual players."

Brazil could face Spain as early as the second round.

"It's a strong team," Kaka said. "It's a dangerous team."

Kaka arrived in South Africa after a season filled marred by injuries but said he will be ready for Brazil's opener against North Korea on June 15. He is being treated for a left thigh muscle injury but has been training normally and played 45 minutes in Brazil's 3-0 win over Zimbabwe on Wednesday in Harare.

He is expected to play again in Brazil's last warmup against Tanzania on Monday in Dar es Salaam.