YOKOHAMA - Brazilian striker Kaka added to his haul of major trophies by inspiring AC Milan to victory over Boca Juniors in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup on the eve of his expected coronation as World Player of the Year.
The 25-year-old will travel to Zurich immediately after Sunday's win over the South American champions having underlined his status as favourite to win the individual accolade ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Kaka scored once and set up both of Filippo Inzaghi's goals at the Yokohama International Stadium as Milan ran out 4-2 winners over Boca, avenging their defeat to the team from Buenos Aires in the Intercontinental Cup in 2003.
"I'm really satisfied," said Kaka, who was part of the Brazil squad that won the World Cup in the same stadium in 2002.
"This was the only trophy I wanted that was missing and I can't put my feelings into words.
"I have managed to win all the trophies that I thought would be difficult to win."
Kaka, who was recently named European Player of the Year, set up Milan's opener in the 21st minute when he laid the ball across the face of goal for Inzaghi to slide his shot home.
Milan's lead lasted barely a minute, however, as Rodrigo Palacio glanced his header across Dida's goal and into the bottom corner of the goal as the Argentinians took charge.
Five minutes after the restart Alessandro Nesta put Milan in front again with a top class finish that belied a lack of goals throughout an impressive career, the former Lazio man hammering the ball into the top corner after Massimo Ambrosini's miss-kick.
Boca full-back Hugo Ibarra hit the post with his long range attempt nine minutes later only for Milan to go further ahead, this time thanks to the brilliance of Kaka.
The Brazilian tore down Boca's right flank before cutting inside defender Jonatan Maidana and slipping the ball under the body of goalkeeper Mauricio Caranta.
With 19 minutes remaining Kaka then set up Inzaghi for his second and Milan's fourth when he relayed Clarence Seedorf's pass into the striker's path to put the result beyond doubt.
Kakha Kaladze's sending off for a foul on Leandro Gracian took some of the gloss off Milan's win and five minutes from time Massimo Ambrosini put the ball in his own net to reduce the deficit for Boca.
But the Argentinians' evening went from bad to worse two minutes from the end when substitute Pablo Ledesma received a red card from referee Marco Rodriguez for a foul on Kaka.
Maldini to quit at the end of the season
YOKOHAMA - AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini announced shortly after winning the FIFA Club World Cup that he will retire at the end of the season.
The Rossoneri beat Boca Juniors 4-2 on Sunday to clinch the prestigious trophy and cap off an impressive year for the Italian club.
"Today I truly feel satisfied with what I have achieved," said Maldini, who earlier this year lifted the Champions League trophy.
"In June I will absolutely retire without any regrets."
As far as honours go, the 39-year-old defender has had his fair share including five Champions League titles, two Intercontinental Cups, four European SuperCups and seven Serie A titles.
But the FIFA Club World Cup is the icing on the cake for the iconic Rossoneri player who made his debut in 1985.
"It's great to have won this trophy because it's difficult to be playing at 39 in a great club like AC Milan," said the former Italian international.
"Milan has allowed me always the possibility to play for important trophies.
"I have had everything in my football career but I have pain and I struggle. I still have a lot of fun but the pain is beginning to take over."
Maldini retired from the Italy national side shortly after the 2002 World Cup with a record number of caps.
