Brazilian football legend Ricardo Kaka Leite explained the difference between competing in a marathon and playing a football match, particularly in the UEFA Champions League tournament.
The 40-year-old who made his debut at the 2022 BMW Berlin Marathon disclosed that the pressure is entirely different between the two disciplines.
“The pressure is different so the sensations are different. When you play football as a professional there are a lot of people looking at you with huge expectations whereas here it's all about how I feel,” he was quoted by Marca.
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The former Real Madrid player achieved his target of finishing the Berlin Marathon in under 3:40.00 when he clocked 3:38.06 in the streets of the Germany City.
His time was more than an hour slower than Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge who reached the tape in a world record time of 2:01.09.
He ran the first half of the road race in 1:47.07 before slowing down to complete the second part in 1:50.59.
Kaka crossed the finishing line with his two hands raised in the air, bringing back the nostalgic days when he used to celebrate using the same gesture after netting goals for clubs and country.
The crowd that had assembled on the sides of the course to cheer some of the world’s best athletes battle it out for the coveted title were amazed by the Brazilian's performance.
Kaka was a force to reckon during his playing days, dictating the midfield, registering assists and scoring goals with ease.
At international level, Kaka won the FIFA World Cup title with Brazil in 2002, aged just 20.
Liverpool fans will never forget Kaka for what he did to them in 2007. He was tremendous in the 2006/2007 UEFA Champions League final, helping AC Milan beat the English-based side 2-1.
His display at the 2007 final made him bag the Ballon D’or award. In doing so, Kaka joined the few elite footballers who have won the Ballon D’or, FIFA World Cup and a Champions League title.
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