Emotions surfaced on Sunday evening at Orlando City Stadium. “Thank you” was said, and even a few tears were shed as Orlando City captain and Club legend Kaká played his last match in Major League Soccer.
“I’m leaving the Club right now but the door here will be open for me and I will always have a relationship with this Club,” Kaká said after the match. “I will always be a Lion, forever, a supporter of this team and this Club. And I think for me, this is the most important thing. I’m very happy that I could build this relationship with this Club. And the Club is about people, so with these people.”
It was a bitter-sweet night. On one hand, we celebrated Kaká and all that he has done for this organization and for this City. But it was always going to be a sad goodbye. Kaká has given so much to this Club, and the Brazilian will always hold a special place in the hearts of Orlando City supporters.
The culmination of memories and a whirlwind of emotions engulfed Kaká, as he understandably had a lot on his mind. Kaká, after walking out with his two children, had no reason to hold back the tears.
After the match, Kaká and his teammates walked a lap of honor to embrace and thank the Orlando City faithful. All eyes were on the Brazilian, as he walked, heart full, hand-in-hand with his two children, around the pitch to say his emotional goodbyes.
“With this good-bye, it’s very good for me because it’s not about the result, it’s not about the things that we could change here,” Kaká explained. “I learned a lot from this city, from this Club, from everybody, the staff, teammates, so it’s been a hard day but I’m very happy as well.”
“Thank you for what you guys did for me, the supporters for these three years. They knew how hard it was to build this from nothing and they recognize every sacrifice. It’s just a thank you.”
For three years Kaká has been a pillar to the foundation of this Club, and everyone involved with Orlando City SC can take some comfort in knowing that he will always be a Lion.
