Mourinho expects Kaka to stay at Madrid

Kaka. AP Photo

MADRID — Coach Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid does not plan to sell little-used midfielder Kaka during the winter transfer window.

Mourinho said on Friday that “I don’t think Kaka will leave,” adding that keeping the Brazilian would give the team a deeper bench.

The 30-year-old Brazil playmaker has only started four matches this season for Madrid, adding to speculation that he would seek a transfer after failing to secure one last summer.

Madrid paid AC Milan a reported €65 million (then $92 million) for Kaka in 2009.

Mourinho said that he did not expect the team to make any midseason signings despite being 13 points adrift of Spanish leader Barcelona.