Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka were rivals for the 2007 World Player of the Year award. Now, their relationship at Real Madrid is all about friendship, care, and respect.

After sustaining a groin injury with the Brazilian national team earlier in mid-November, Ricardo Kaka only featured once for Real Madrid until now:

That was against Barcelona at the Camp Nou when Real Madrid lost 1-0 in El Clasico as Cristiano Ronaldo was playing as a starter for only the first time in almost two months.

Since then, Real Madrid have played four games without the services of the 2007 Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year winner.

Ironically, they’ve won all of these last four games with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain performing well and scoring goals for Real Madrid’s success.

The Spanish giants’ recent positive statistics have led a part of the Spanish media believing that Real Madrid are a better team without the inclusion of AC Milan’s former playmaker, Ricardo Kaka.

Now Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo has come in defense of his friend, who cost Real Madrid a fee of € 65 million to land him from Italy to Spain.

Cristiano Ronaldo stated:

“People can say whatever they like but Kaka is a phenomenon for me. He is indispensable for the success of Real Madrid and I hope that he returns quickly.”

There were rumors that Ricardo Kaka would be included in Manuel Pellegrini’s man squad for Real Madrid’s game away to Osasuna this weekend.

Finally, reports indicated that the 27-year-old Brazilian superstar was not going to return to the field of play that quickly.

Cristiano Ronaldo might feel some kind of downhearted emotion at Kaka’s long-time absence. However, he will surely try and focus on doing his best to assure Real Madrid of genuine success.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature for Los Blancos against Osasuna in La Liga on Monday and he could yet again steal the spotlight with his influence in the match.

Angela Asante, CRF Chief Editor