Kaka remains committed to Real Madrid

Real Madrid superstar Kaka remains determined to show his undoubted class in Spain, following recent rumours of a move back to Italy.

The 27-year-old Brazil international has scored four goals in 19 appearances since his world record move to the Santiago Bernabeu from AC Milan in the summer, while he has recently been troubled by a groin injury.

However, the South American is adamant that he is not considering a move back to the Rossoneri, whatever the fevered rumour mill might suggest.

He told Marca: "I am at Real now and that's what really matters. I am very happy because I had the chance to sign for such a prestigious club.

"I want to be an important player and I am improving fast after my injury. I want to play more naturally, so I can reach my optimal performance."

Meanwhile, veteran striker Freddie Kanoute has retired from international football following Mali's failure to progress to the latter stages of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

The 32-year-old Sevilla frontman scored 23 times in 38 appearances for the Eagles and is disappointed to bow out on a low note.

He told the Angop news agency: "That's life. I'm sorry I couldn't succeed in helping my team go further at the Nations Cup, which now marks my retirement.

"I can't find the words to describe how upset I am, it really hurts me. After we were knocked out in 2008 we really wanted to do well here.

"For my last appearance in this competition I wanted to go as far as possible."

Elsewhere, Villarreal's Italy international striker Giuseppe Rossi remains determined to return to Serie A in the summer, with his agent hoping for interest from the country's top clubs.

The 22-year-old has previously played in Italy with Parma and is keen to move back to the Italian top-flight according to agent Andrea Pastorello.

He told Sport Italia: "Giuseppe finds himself very well in Spain, but it's clear that he would prefer to return to Italy at the end of the season.

"There is the World Cup in front of him and unless there are any surprises, he will go to South Africa, then we'll see what happens.

"Sure, with the economic crisis there are few Italian clubs that could sign him like Inter, Juve, Milan or even Napoli, who have shown that they are capable of making good investments."

FC Twente forward Bryan Ruiz has set his sights on making his name in Spain at some point in the not-too-distant future.

The 24-year-old Costa Rica international has scored 13 goals for Twente this season, having previously played in Belgium with Gent, but he already has his eyes on a bigger stage.

He told Sportsweek: "I know exactly what I want and I'm not afraid to discuss my plans for the future publicly.

"It's my dream to play in the Primera Division one day and I'm determined to play in Spain in the future.

"Of course, the (English) Premier League is an attractive competition as well. However, I prefer the Primera Division, because it's more about football and less about physical strength there.

"I hope that Twente allow me to move to a bigger club within two seasons, but I'm very happy at Twente for now."