Emotional Kaka says Milan remain top European side

Real Madrid playmaker Kaka made an emotional return to AC Milan on Tuesday and said his former team mates looked in good shape despite their wobbly form.

The Brazilian was warmly welcomed during the 1-1 Champions League Group C draw at the San Siro, where he played for six years before heading to Spain in June.

"It has been an emotional evening, I tried to keep my emotions in check and play my game," he told reporters. "It has been great, just as I expected. I thank all the fans."

Milan, who top the group alongside Real with two to play, are fourth in Serie A and were second best for much of the game. "Milan's group is very strong, they have to play a lot of games and they''ve not been able to find continuity. But in the Champions League, in the games that count, they are always there," added the former World Player of the year. 

"(Milan''s) Ronaldinho is rediscovering his form and is finally managing to strut his stuff."

Milan won 3-2 at the Bernabeu last month but Kaka thinks Real''s stuttering new Galacticos are starting to gel, with Cristiano Ronaldo yet to return from injury.

"We need to have patience. Bit by bit the team is coming together," he said.