Real Madrid star Kaka believes his late match-winner at Real
Zaragoza was the perfect response to the criticism that has been
levelled at him.
Kaka returned from a six-week injury lay-off for Saturday's
trip to La Romareda and ended up being his side's hero as he
climbed off the bench to fire home the clinching goal in a 2-1 win
with eight minutes to go.
The Brazil international has found himself under fire in some
sections this season for his performances since joining for
£56million last summer and also during his recovery from
injury, with accusations his sights may have been set more on the
World Cup than on Madrid's title bid.
However, Kaka said following the Zaragoza victory: "I'm very
happy, it's been a very special night for me after many criticisms.
The best answer is on the pitch.
"I've spent many years in the world of football, but the
worst is that they doubt my injury. I only ask that the fans don't
doubt my injury.
"I've felt very sad recently for the things that have been
said about me. It's not true that I refused to take medication,
delaying my recovery, because I've taken medication to play in this
game.
"Also, it's not true I was thinking of Brazil and the World
Cup. Right now I'm focused on Madrid."
Kaka's appearance against Zaragoza was his first since
Madrid's Champions League exit to Lyon on March 10, but the capital
club will now be hoping he is available for the final four games of
the season against Osasuna, Real Mallorca, Athletic Bilbao and
Malaga.
Kaka added: "I'm much better, but I still have to continue
working. I had 15 or 20 minutes (against Zaragoza) and little by
little I'm improving my fitness. The most important thing of all
though was the victory."
Madrid's win over Zaragoza saw them remain a point behind
Barcelona in the race for the title after the Catalan side had
beaten Xerez 3-1 earlier in the evening.
Manuel Pellegrini's men are still needing a slip-up from
their arch rivals but they insist they will keep pushing until the
end.
Club captain Raul, who took his tally to 228 in the league
with Madrid's opener against Zaragoza before limping off injured,
said: "I got hurt before I scored, but all that matters is that
this team remains competitive and are still in the title hunt.
"We are very pleased with this win. Winning to stay in the
title chase was all that mattered."
Defender Sergio Ramos added on his club's website: "I'm very
happy with the team's performance in what was a very difficult
match.
"We aren't concerned about what Barcelona do. We know we need
to win the last four matches and that we don't control our own
destiny. Barcelona are currently in first place, so all we can do
is continue winning."
