10 Players Relieved They Didn't Sign For Chelsea

1. Kaka

Everybody knows the story of Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, or Kaka as he more commonly referred to. Nearly paralysed as a youth, the talented Brazilian battled back to sign forms with Sao Paolo before earning a European move to Italian heavyweights AC Milan in 2003 where he established himself as one of the finest players in world football. What some don€™t know, however, is that the South American playmaker was originally intended to arrive at the San Siro in 2004, but their hand was forced to move for him a year earlier due to Roman Abramovich€™s intervention.

''Kaka was supposed to arrive in 2004, in our plans, but we were forced to sign him as Chelsea had advanced their offer. A substantial offer, as is common with Abramovich. I have to thank the Sao Paolo president Marcelo Portugal, who stuck to his word and was not influenced by the money, and also Kaka, who earns less than he would have earned in London. Kaka will become one of the best players in the world.۪۪ - Adriano Galliani, October 2003.

The love that exists between Kaka and AC Milan is clear, even to this day, stating that the San Siro was his €˜home€™ last year. It€™s easy to see why the Brazilian has such an affection for the Milanese giants, having made his name in European football there. With 103 goals in 301 appearances for the Rossoneri, Kaka spurred the Italians to a league and cup double during the 03/04 season, and a Champions League victory three seasons later. He was even presented with the Ballon d€™Or trophy in 2007, cementing his name as one of the finest players of the modern era. Would he give all that up for a couple of extra bucks at Stamford Bridge? Unlikely. So, that's a wrap - do you agree? Have there been any glaring omissions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.