Real Madrid ace Kaka has explained why he rejected the chance to take Zinedine Zidane's old No5 shirt. "It had nothing to do with Zidane," insisted Kaka, "it was more because for Brazilians the No5 is for a defensive player.

"So I preferred to stay with the No8, the number I've had since my beginnings in Sao Paulo."

On Zizou, Kaka continued: "Zidane is a legend of football, he's made much history with France and with Real Madrid. He is on another level because he has already made history throughout his career.

"I still have not reached that. I am uncomfortable with the comparison, but that's OK. It is not the first time it's happened.

"If Madrid win, personally it will give me a big lift in my career. I hope we have many major achievements and successes."