ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City Soccer Club majority owner Flavio Augusto da Silva, CEO Alex Leitão and team captain Ricardo Kaká held a news conference Wednesday afternoon at Orlando City Stadium.
Kaká told Channel 9 sports anchor Christian Bruey that he won't return to the Orlando City Soccer Club after the end of the MLS season.
"His three-year contract with Orlando City expires at the end of this year," Bruey said. "The club has offered him a new one-year deal to return in 2018."
"I think I need for my life and my career a new challenge and a new motivation. That's what is the most important thing and what I based my decision," Kaká
Kaká said he thought it over with his family in Brazil and made the decision to not re-sign with Orlando, but will continue to play, most likely in Brazil.
In his three years with Orlando City, Kaká scored 24 goals, including Orlando City's first goal in the MLS.
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"I love this club and I love these guys, but as a soccer player, I will not be a part of this club for the next season. Maybe I could come back as an ambassador or general manager or as a coach," Kaká said.
The soccer star will play his final home match with the Lions Sunday against the Columbus Crew Soccer Club.
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Watch that match live on WRDQ TV 27.
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