Real Madrid midfielder Kaka (R) from Brazil leaves the Apra AZ Monica Clinic after an operation on his left knee in Antwerp August 6, 2010. Kaka has been operated by Belgian doctor Marc Martens, specialized in sport injury, and could be ruled out for three to four months, the clinic which carried out the surgery said on Thursday. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has admitted that he looked forward to Kaka's return to the San Siro.

The Brazilian, plagued by injuries after moving to Real Madrid, has long been linked with a return to the Rossoneri after failing to settle at the Bernabeu.

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is also rumoured to be courted by Milan, but when asked who he would prefer to see at the club next season, Gattuso selected his former teammate.

"Kaka, he made history with Milan and if he is loved so much it means he did well. We are waiting for him," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Defender Alessandro Nesta has hinted that he could retire at the end of the season, but Gattuso is of the opinion that he will play on for a while yet, adding: "He is playing on the injury story. He will stop in two or three years like myself."