ROME (AP):

AC Milan playmaker Kaka has rejected a record-breaking offer from Manchester City and the chance to become the world's best-paid footballer, saying the Italian club is where he belongs.

"All the messages coming my way said to choose with my heart and at the end that's what the choice was. It was absolutely not economical," Kaka told Milan Channel late yesterday after Italian Premier and AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi broke the news that the player was staying.

"Kaka is staying with Milan," Berlusconi told a TV show. "For Kaka, money isn't everything. ... Kaka is and remains with Milan."

Ended negotiations

Shortly after Berlusconi's comments, City issued a statement confirming it had ended negotiations with the Italian club over the transfer.

"Following a meeting in Milan today, the club felt that it was unlikely that the two parties could reach common ground for an agreement," City said. "The discussions reached only a preliminary stage and the player was not involved at any time. No commercial terms were framed."

There had been speculation that Kaka's camp will ask for a revision of his contract with Milan if he decided to stay, although he is already the highest paid player for the Rossoneri at €9 million (US$12 million) per season and Milan does not appear inclined to accept such a request.

Milan's other Brazil stars earn much less - Ronaldinho €4 million (US$5.3 million) and Alexandre Pato €2 million (US$2.7 million) and Milan fears that if it restructures Kaka's contract, other players will want to follow suit.

The 26-year-old Kaka is under contract with Milan through 2013.

Dealt a blow

Kaka's decision was greeted with scenes of celebration in Milan, but dealt a serious blow to City's plans of using its newfound wealth to quickly build a world-class squad.

The news came following a full day of meetings between Milan, City and Kaka's father and chief adviser - Bosco Leite - to discuss a bid that was said to be £100 million ($147 million, €111 million). City had reportedly been ready to offer Kaka a salary of nearly £500,000 a week - by far the highest in football.

"There has been a lot of news, rumours and speculation over these last few days that put my father in a bad light. It's not like that," Kaka said. "I never argued with my father. My decisions are always made with my family. My wife was great, she helped me and always supported me in all my decisions.