Los Angeles - Brazilian forward Kaka arrived in Orlando on Monday to a rapturous airport reception from fans of expansion Major League Soccer club Orlando City.
The club, which confirmed earlier this month they were in “advanced discussions” to sign the 32-year-old star, had teased fans with “KomingSoon” Twitter postings Monday in advance of his arrival in the central Florida city.
The Orlando Sentinel reported that the club, which is slated to begin MLS play in 2015, would hold a press conference on Tuesday to formally announce his signing and introduce him to fans at the club's official watch party of the United States' World Cup match against Belgium.
The 32-year-old had his contract with Italian club AC Milan terminated by mutual consent, activating a release clause after Milan failed to qualify for European play.
The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner, who was part of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup, told AC Milan's television channel that he had long been keen to play in the United States.
Kaka joined AC Milan from Sao Paulo in 2003, winning a Serie A title and the Champions League there before departing for Real Madrid in 2009.
He returned to AC Milan this season, scored seven goals in 30 Serie A appearances, and wasn't selected for the Brazil squad for the World Cup now under way in his home country.
Until he is due to report for MLS duty in January of 2015, Kaka is expected to play on loan to Sao Paulo, the club that developed him as a youth and where he played first as a professional.
Orlando City and New York City FC - who have recruited Spain's David Villa - will become the 20th and 21st teams competing in MLS in 2015.
Sapa-AFP