Kaka ushered in Real Madrid’s latest galactico era as the Spanish club gave the Brazil player a rock star welcome in front of at least 50,000 fans.

After president Florentino Perez introduced Kaka for the first time since his $92 million acquisition from AC Milan, the 27-year-old playmaker shook his head in delight as fans chanted his name at the Santiago Bernabeu. “Today is a very special day for me. I’m very happy about this new step in my career at Real Madrid,” said Kaka, who will wear the No 8 shirt.

“There are no words for today, it’s an unforgettable day,” Kaka said through a translator. “All of this is a great honour and responsibility, and not a negative responsibility but a positive one. I hope we can win titles and many victories.”

Hopes are high at Madrid, who failed to get past the first knockout stage of the Champions League for the fifth straight season and lost the league to bitter rivals Barcelona.

Also on Wednesday, Lyon agreed to sell highly-rated France striker Karim Benzema to Real Madrid in a deal which could be worth up to $67 million, the French club said on Wednesday.

“Lyon have accepted Karim Benzema’s decision and has negotiated the terms of a transfer which satisfies all sides,” Lyon said in a statement. “The club wishes Karim the best of success with Real Madrid.”