Brazilian playmaker Kaka bolts to Real Madrid, will a new Reign in Spain follow?

After standing by his AC Milan club for the past two years, denying any intent to leave, and passing on overtures from the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City, Kaka has finally decided to depart the San Siro and make his way to Spain. Real Madrid forked over a whopping 68 million Euros ($94.05 million) to attain the 27 year old Brazilian playmaker from AC Milan this week. Kaka's move signals a change of direction for two of Europe's biggest clubs, and makes clear the intentions of Real Madrid.

Kaka's move is not only a sign of the times at the respective clubs, but in the respective countries. Kaka departs AC Milan for Madrid at a time when Italian football faces a tough challenge. AC Milan in general face tough economic times and are reportedly short on cash, a rumor not likely to be discounted by the selling of their best player. Milan have been slipping from the top in the past few seasons. 2007 was a banner year as Milan won the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Success at home has been falling in recent years as their best finish in the Serie A was Runner-Up in 2004-2005. Last season saw them finish only good enough to make the UEFA Cup competition, and they finished a slightly better 3rd place while watching in town rival Inter Milan finish 1st in Serie A for the 4th straight year. Adding to Milan's woes, financial and otherwise, Paolo Maldini retired, head coach Carlo Ancelotti resigned to take over at Chelsea FC, and its rumored Ancelotti is keen to bring Alexandre Pato and Andrea Pirlo with him to London.

Real Madrid on the other hand is a team beaten and desperate to rise. Former president Florentino Perez is back in the saddle in Madrid and looking to return the club to its glory days. After watching their biggest Spanish rival, Barcelona, run away with La Liga this year and win the Champions League, Madrid has overhauled their club and are looking to return to the top. Perez is back in charge after his predecessor was unsuccessful in his attempts to bring Kaka to Madrid, and a new manager is at the helm to guide the team. There has even been talk that Madrid have a war chest of 300 million euros to spend on summer signings in their quest to be top dog in Spain once more. Madrid is seeking to wipe a sour taste from its mouth after and embarrassing defeat over two legs to Liverpool and appear willing to spend as much as it takes to do so.

Kaka's move signals more than a change in one players heart, it is a sign of good things for football in Spain and bad things for football in Italy. Spain is on top of the football world with the national team winning UEFA Euro 2008 and La Liga side Barcelona defeating football giants Manchester United to capture the UEFA Champions League. Italy on the other hand clings to a 2006 World Cup title as a glimmer of hope as it watches its clubs struggle to compete. AC Milan rivals Inter Milan face the loss of their top striker as Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted he is interested in a move to Barcelona, and the Serie A had none of its four representatives make the quarterfinals of this year's Champions League.

Italy and the Serie A can still be considered among the world's top leagues with the Barclay's Premier League in England and La Liga in Spain, but at the rate foreign players are heading for Spain and England, and Italian nationals as well, Italy's place may be in jeopardy.