AC MILAN and Brazil Legend Kaka has announced his retirement from football after a glittering 16-year career.

The Brazilian, who also enjoyed a spell at Real Madrid, revealed to Globo Esporte he had hung up his boots.

Father,

It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey. In Jesus name. Amem.



Pai,

Foi muito mais do que eu pedi ou imaginei!Obrigado! Eis-me aqui para próxima jornada. Em nome de Jesus. Amém. pic.twitter.com/PofZBAV0BE — Kaka (@KAKA) December 17, 2017

He said: "I came up aware to the conclusion it was time to end my career. My cycle as a professional footballer ends here."

He also took to social media to bid farewell to the game, writing: "Father, It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey. In Jesus' name. Amen."

During a blue-chip career the 35-year-old won the World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d'Or - the last person other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi to take home the award.

Kaka, whose full name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, is also one of only four players (along with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Zinedine Zidane) to win all three gongs.

3 Kaka won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 as a 20-year-old Credit: AFP - Getty

3 The Brazilian was part of AC Milan's all-conquering Champions League winning side in 2007 Credit: EPA

3 Kaka won the Ballon d'Or in 2007 - the last person other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi to take home the award Credit: Reuters

Kaka has been one of the greatest players of his generation and enjoyed a trophy-laden time in Europe during his heyday.

The 92-cap Brazil international kicked-off his career at Brazilian giants Sao Paulo, aged just 19-years-old, before bagging a move to Milan in 2003 - where he won the Italian title.

After winning all he could win with the Rossoneri, Kaka snubbed a £100 million move to Manchester City before joining Los Blancos a few weeks later in 2009 - where he won La Liga.

After a frustrating spell in Madrid, the Brazilian returned to Milan for a season before joining MLS side Orlando City.

Kaka highlight reel

Football legend Kaka breaks down in tears as he makes final appearance for Orlando City

All in all, he turned out 44 times for the American club but he spent part of his first term on loan at Sao Paulo in 2014.

In October, Kaka announced he would not be returning to Orlando, though his decision to retire following an astonishing 16-year career will see him go down as an all-time great.

He will most fondly be remembered for his scintillating performances at AC Milan which saw him reach the pinnacle of world football.