Kaka believes Real Madrid's fortunes are once again on the up thanks to club president Florentino Perez.

The Spanish giants were a pale imitation of their former selves last season, failing to shine in Europe and being comprehensively beaten to the Primera Liga title by arch rivals Barcelona.

However the return of Perez, who ushered in the original Galacticos era at the Bernabeu by signing the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo, has once again reignited Real hopes thanks to deals being struck this summer to bring both Kaka and - for a world record transfer fee - former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish capital.

One-time AC Milan favourite Kaka shares the optimism that now abounds in Madrid, and is adamant that Perez's heavy spending will help Real regain their position as one of Europe's leading lights.

"Florentino has his aim and his way to invest. It is not something negative for football, but positive," the Brazil international told the News of the World newspaper.

"The Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has criticised us but they are very strong. The way Real can be a competitive team again is to have an ambitious plan like Florentino's.

"I know I made the correct choice going to Real. To be alongside players who can decide a match on their own is very important and Cristiano can do that."