As AC Milan finished fifth in the just-concluded Serie A season, thus losing the chance for Champions League, the Italian soccer giant is expected to free Brazilian star Kaka for the Beijing Olympics.
Local media reported Sunday that Dunga, the head coach of the Brazilian national team, paid close attention to Sunday's Serie A game of Milan against Udinese. Although two Brazilians scored in the game (Alexandre Pato and Cafu), the Italian club was left out of the Champions League despite a 4-1 win.
As a result, Kaka is one step closer to being allowed by the Italian team to represent his home country in this year's Olympic Games.
The Champions League is scheduled to kick off in August, just as the Olympics are to begin. However, since Milan will not be participating and has no official games throughout the month of August, Dunga is counting on Kaka's presence on his Olympic roster.
Sunday's game also marked the last game of two Brazilians with Milan. Both Cafu and Serginho were honored in their last game in a Milan uniform. Cafu is looking into his options of continuing the sport in Brazil. Serginho has not made any statements regarding his future in Brazil.
(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2008)