Ronaldo: Kaka will stay with Real

Posted Saturday, August 11, 2012 by ESPN

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has encouraged team-mate Kaka to make a decision on his future.

Recording a massive 5-1 pre-season victory over AC Milan at the Yankees Stadium yesterday [Thursday], Real Madrid sent out a strong signal of intent to their La Liga rivals ahead of the new campaign. Former Rossoneri player Kaka was instrumental in the victory, notching up three assists.

The Brazilian's long-term future at the club has been heavily speculated this summer, after he spent most last season in the treatment room or sitting on Los Blancos' bench.

Discussions between Milan officials and Real president Florentino Perez are believed to be on-going, but Ronaldo told realmadrid.com that he saw no better place for Kaka to be than Real.

"For me his is one of the best players in the world, and all the best players have to be at Real Madrid," Ronaldo said.

The Portuguese is aware that his team-mate will choose what he deems best for his playing future, but Ronaldo believes Kaka will still be wearing the white of Los Blancos come the start of the season.

"Whether he will or will not is a decision he has to take himself, but I think he will stay," he stated.

The defending champions will be playing Glasgow Celtic in their next friendly fixture. The former Manchester United player is keen for the team to keep up their good form and start their league campaign on a high.

"We want to keep improving because it will be a long season. These victories and goals are good to gain confidence," Ronaldo shared.

"What we all want is to start the season in the best way. We are working well together and we want to start the league on form."

Real striker Gonzalo Higuain agreed with Ronaldo, firing a warning to their future opposition that despite their recently impressive results, the team have yet to hit top gear.

"These are preparation games and is good for us to get victories, but we are just starting, picking up pace," he revealed.

"There is still a week until the start the season and hope to get there at our best."