Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano has leapt to the defence of midfielder Kaka, who is set to miss around three months of the season.
Kaka linked up with Madrid in Los Angeles following an extended break due to his World Cup participation, but the Brazilian complained of pain in his knee and a routine medical examination confirmed a rupture in his left knee.
The player was sent to Belgium for arthroscopic surgery and the doctor overseeing the procedure, Marc Martens, claimed Kaka put his career in danger by playing at the World Cup.
Martens also said Kaka had experienced pain in South Africa and the player has been criticised for failing to notify Madrid of his injury prior to his return.
Valdano, however, has rejected that criticism and revealed the player saw specialists during his holiday in an attempt to get to the bottom of his injury problems.
"We are very grateful for the effort he made in the summer to go and see several different specialists in Sao Paulo to find an explanation for the problems he was having in his left knee," he told reporters.
The Argentinian claims Kaka's behaviour has been impeccable.
"Kaka's conduct has always been correct and we have never doubted him. He has our full backing and the total support of the club," he said.
"He is an exemplary player and we have never had any complaints about him. Now he must only think about recovering."
Portugal defender Pepe also backed his Madrid team-mate.
"Nobody can doubt Kaka's professionalism," the Brazil-born defender said in an interview with Cuatro.
Kaka says he kept the club up to date with his injury problems and laments the fact he is being made out to be a villain by the Spanish press.
"I had some problems but I didn't realise it was serious," he said in an interview with As.
"I notified Madrid at all times. It was troubling me at times, but I thought it was something normal and I knew I would have a medical examination when I arrived.
"I have to say that I'm not the bad guy in the film - I need people to believe in me."
The playmaker says he will work hard to return to form and fitness, and hopes to help Madrid win titles this season.
"I will do everything in my power to get better as soon as I can and to win titles with this new Madrid," he said.
Kaka started just 25 of Madrid's 38 Primera Division matches last season and failed to reproduce his best form after sealing a £56million move from AC Milan.
Nevertheless, the 28 year-old believes he can get back to his brilliant best under new Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.
"The coach has been very special with me," he said.
"He told me I have to get better, that he wants me to be happy and well to be able to get back to being a top-level player. And I'm convinced I will do so."
