Former Brazil international Kaka hangs up his boots

Former Brazil, AC Milan and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has retired from football.

The 35-year-old was a free agent after leaving MLS outfit Orlando City in October and, despite reported interest from his former clubs Milan and Sao Paulo, he has decided to hang up his boots.

In a tweet posted on Sunday the Champions League winner wrote: "It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I'm now ready for the next journey."

Kaka was 21 when Serie A giants Milan brought him to Italy from Sao Paulo and in seven seasons with the Rossoneri he scored 95 goals across all competitions, conquering Europe in 2007.

He joined Real for €67m in 2009 but a series of injuries badly affected his years at the Bernabeu and he returned to Milan on a free transfer ahead of the 2013-14 season.

A brief stint back with Sao Paulo preceded three MLS campaigns with Orlando, for whom he enjoyed individual success despite limited results for the Florida franchise.

Kaka won 92 caps for Brazil, scoring 29 goals and featuring at three World Cups, forming part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2002.