Kaka claims his iconic No 10 position is dying out in modern football

Brazilian legend Kaka has claimed that the No 10 position 'has already been completely lost' in modern football.

Kaka, who starred for AC Milan and Real Madrid, believes that 'advanced defending' had led to less space in midfield.

As reported by Marca, Kaka said: 'It is not that it is being lost, it is that it has already been completely lost, among other things because with the defences so advanced there is hardly any space left in the center of the field.

Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Kaka thrived in the No 10 position.

However, the 40-year-old is unsure where he would play in the modern game and suggested he may have had to play as a winger or a box-to-box midfielder.

Kaka found it difficult to come up with an answer when asked which modern player is most similar to him in style.

He said: 'The truth? No. Above all because the positions have changed. I played for Milan as a midfielder for many years, something that has evolved with the appearance of box-to-box midfielders. What's more, I don't know where I would play in this more physical football, if I would play it a little more open to the left or 'box to box'.'

Kaka is doing a UEFA coaching course but suggested that he wouldn't wan to give up spending time with his family.

He said: 'It is true that I am doing a UEFA course and since I stopped playing I am preparing myself for it, although what I like the most is the sports management part. Anyway, football is very intense and to return to the limelight I have to sacrifice some things, like the time I spend with my family, and right now I'm not willing to do that.'

Kaka played under some great coaches during his career including Jose Mourinho, Max Allegri and Manuel Pellegrini, but especially enjoyed working under Carlo Ancelotti at AC Milan between 2003 and 2009.

When asked which coach is his role model, Ancelotti said: 'Carlo Ancelotti. With all my coaches I learned things, whether it was tactically or about group management, but my best performances were with him and we also lived together for six seasons. Also seeing how he has evolved as a coach seems very interesting to me.'

Kaka also revealed that his compatriot Neymar is his favourite player in world football.

He said: 'I don't know if it's because we have a great personal relationship but I love how Neymar plays. Of course I like to see others like Mbappe, Messi, Cristiano or Vinicius himself but I'll stick with 'Ney'.'

Kaka is one of only eight players to have won the World Cup, the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or.