Madrid - Xinhua
When Kaka joined Real Madrid from AC Milan in the summer of 2009, he cost 65 million euros and was momentarily the most expensive footballer in the world, before Madrid again smashed the transfer record with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. However, while Ronaldo was an instant success for Madrid, Kaka has struggled with injury and loss of form. He suffered a hip injury during his first season, while the 2010 World Cup saw him pick up a serious knee problem and last season he was well below his best. This season saw him start on the bench and when he was given the chance, such as in the 1-0 defeat away to Levante, less than a fortnight ago, he failed to take it. Nevertheless, on Tuesday night, Kaka was the standout player as Real Madrid defeated Ajax 3-0 in their Champions League group match. The attacking midfielder, helped set up the opening goal for Ronaldo, scored the second himself and also played a role in the third of the game which was netted by Karim Benzema. Speaking in Wednesday\'s edition of sports paper, Diario AS, Kaka expressed his relief at what was arguably his best performance for the club. \"It is not just today, I have been improving in the last few games I have played,\" he said. \"I am doing what I like doing and that is play football, but it is not just this game, it has been in a sequence of them. I am in good shape physically now and I want to carry on improving,\" said Kaka, who believes he has more to offer the Real Madrid fans. \"I am practicing things bit by bit on a personal level and also as part of the team. Bit by bit I am working on things that will make me a success in this club,\" insisted the Brazilian. Real Madrid\'s second home win in four days has gone some way to wiping away memories of their performances in the BBVA Primera Liga, where they dropped five points away to Levante and Racing Santander. \"The team has responded well to a week in which we had two poor matches. We have won two games, but we have to improve. On Sunday we are away to Espanyol,\" said Kaka.