Kaka announces official retirement from football

Kaka announced his retirement on social media. Photo /Twitter @KAKA

Brazilian superstar Kaka has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing to a close an incredible career which saw him turn out for some of the world's most decorated teams.

Kaka, 35, spent last season playing in the MLS with Orlando City, though had confirmed he would be leaving at the end of the campaign.

The Brazilian played his last professional match against Colombus Crew in October - a game in which his side were narrowly beaten 1-0.

Since, it was unclear whether Kaka would return to play one final stint in his native Brazil, or retire from the beautiful game for good.

Taking to social media on Sunday, the 35-year-old offered clarity on the situation.

Posting a black and white image of himself wearing the famous 'I belong to Jesus' t-shirt he sported in the Champions League final against Liverpool, Kaka issued a statement reflecting on his career.

Father,
It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey. In Jesus name. Amem.

Pai,
Foi muito mais do que eu pedi ou imaginei!Obrigado! Eis-me aqui para próxima jornada. Em nome de Jesus. Amém. pic.twitter.com/PofZBAV0BE

— Kaka (@KAKA) December 17, 2017

"Father, It was much more than I could ever imagined.

"Thank you! I'm now ready for the next journey. In Jesus name. Amen," wrote Kaka.

Kaka's rise in football correlated with an incredible trophy haul and personal accolades along the way.

After playing his part in Brazil's World Cup win of 2002 in Japan and South Korea, the mercurial playmaker went on to establish himself as the finest footballer in Europe between the years of 2003 and 2009 with AC Milan.

Scooping the Serie A title in the 2003/04 season and the Italian Super Cup in the same year, Kaka would go on to taste heartbreak in the 2005 Champions League final in the iconic Istanbul clash with Liverpool.

Redemption would follow however, as Kaka and his team-mates met their Merseyside foe once again in the 2007 Athens final - this time claiming the iconic trophy as their own.

After sealing a then world record £56million move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, Kaka lifted the La Liga title and Spanish cup during his time at the Bernabeu.

UEFA super cup, FIFA club world cup, and two Confederations Cup medals also found their way into Kaka's collection during his time as a player, while the living legend goes down as the last player to win the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy before the back and forth rivalry of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.