Kaka is first new galactico

AC Milan have confirmed the sale of Kaka to Real Madrid in what is expected to be a world-record transfer.

The Brazil superstar was due to reveal the move at a press conference scheduled for 0100BST, after undergoing a medical in his homeland.

However, the Serie A side have moved first to confirm the departure of the 27-year-old for the Bernabeu.

A club statement said "From next season, Kaka will play at Real Madrid. Milan thank Kaka the man and the great champion for his decisive contribution to the many victories over the last six years.

"It will be very difficult to fill the void that Kaka will leave, as he is a shining example of commitment and professionalism. A. C. Milan, on behalf of the Rossoneri managers, players and supporters, send him the most cordial and affectionate wishes for the continuation of his sporting career."

The Madrid giants also released a statement saying "Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, Kaka, is a Real Madrid player after an agreement was reached with AC Milan. The Brazilian footballer has now successfully passed all medical tests. Kaka has signed a contract with Real Madrid for the next six seasons."

The playmaker is currently on international duty ahead of Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay tomorrow but was released for the medical tests in Recife earlier on Monday.

Reports have suggested Kaka, who was also earlier linked with Chelsea, has signed for around 68 million euros (£59million) - which, if true, would smash the world record fee of £46.7million paid by Real to Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

He becomes the first of the new wave of 'galacticos' expected to be assembled by recently returned club president Florentino Perez.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery have also been linked to the Spanish capital club since Perez's unopposed election signalled the return of their vast spending.

In Perez's previous stint with the club, he oversaw the acquisitions of global stars of Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham, as well as Zidane.

Kaka signed for hometown club Sao Paolo at the age of 15 and overcame a career-threatening spinal injury to help his team win the Torneio Rio-Sao Paulo title in 2001, his debut season.

He made a brief substitute's appearance in Brazil's successful World Cup campaign in 2002 before clinching an 8.5million euros transfer to AC Milan a year later.

The Scudetto was secured in his first campaign at the San Siro, where he also won the Champions League in 2007.

In the same year Kaka was awarded the Ballon d'Or, as European Footballer of the Year, and was named FIFA's World Player of the Year.

He had the opportunity to join Manchester City in January this year in a deal reported to be worth £100million, but opted to stay in Italy.

However, with Perez's arrival bringing the promise of a new era of dominance for Madrid, Kaka was finally tempted to join former manager and mentor Carlo Ancelotti - who left for Chelsea earlier this month - through the San Siro exit.