FIFPro is the worldwide representative organisation for professional football players. Every year votes are taken from members for the FIFPro annual awards. This time around Kaka won the individual prize for FIFPro Player of the Year, and his Rossoneri teammate Nesta made it into the team XI.

“I’m really pleased to receive this award by my colleagues, because the respect of my team mates is really important,” said Nesta.

“From the World Cup till today, I went through a difficult period. I broke my shoulder and mentally it was not easy.

“The club was close to me and allowed me to go to Miami for three months were I could cure myself and even from the mental point of view I managed to return as new.

“I think that for a footballer the mind matters 90% for the performances. On my return another chapter of my life started.”

The 31-year-old also looked ahead to this year’s World Club Cup Final, which Milan qualified for after winning last season’s Champions League.

“With Milan and the national team I have won a lot but this is a trophy I am missing. It’s the objective of many players to play in that final,” Nesta concluded.

FIFPro World XI

Buffon; Terry, Cannavaro, Nesta, Puyol; Cristiano Ronaldo, Kakà, Gerrard; Messi, Drogba, Ronaldinho.