Sheikh It All About

In a time when many believe money rules over anything in the world of football, it is refreshing to see that Kaka has chosen to stay at AC Milan. Not even Man City's millions could prise away the former world footballer of the year, who said his team-mates and everyone connected with Milan were the ones that persuaded him his future lay with the Italian outfit. The news will come as a terrific boost to Serie A itself, often bemoaned for its lack of attacking flair and style, the news that one of the most entertaining footballers on the planet will continue to ply his trade at one of the country's top clubs was greeted with mass enthusiasm - and not only by his own supporters.

The signs were ominous for Milan, after their game at the weekend Kaka made a point of keeping his own shirt, possibly a piece of memorabilia from his final game for the club? Even last night, as the drama was developing, Kaka emerged from a balcony in his house, holding the club shirt, and beating his chest with his fist three times. Again, a sign that he was leaving, or a show of devotion to his adopted club?

Kaka, a quiet, religious man off the pitch, turned down the chance to treble his salary to almost £26 million a year in favour of staying with the club he loves. Had it been Chelsea, or City's fiercest rivals Man Utd offering the cash, the outcome may well have been different. But the Eastlands club are labouring in 11th in the Premier League, and show no signs of an immediate assault on the top four. That may have swayed the Brazillian's decision, who clearly still feels he owes Milan something after they took a gamble on him, snapping him up from Sao Paulo in 2003.

Garry Cook, the Manchester City chairman, chose to put a brave face on the whole saga, saying AC had "bottled it" after agreeing to sell the player. The underlying message there surely, is that Kaka himself rejected the chance to move to City. Obviously, Cook, along with his other counterparts will not claim this as a massive blow, but you get the feeling there is a lot of embarrassment coming out of the City camp this morning, along with the news that Robinho appears to have wandered off without telling anyone.

Cheer up City fans, eh, at least you've still got Craig Bellamy...