Kaka says he arrived from AC Milan "with the groin problem and that slowed my process of adaptation." The Brazil playmaker says the injury sapped his confidence and "you can"t do things you normally would be able to."

Kaka told Wednesday"s edition of sports daily AS that adapting to the Spanish city and club has also been part of the reason why he hasn"t been at his best since his euro65 million (then $92 million) transfer from the Serie A club last offseason.

The 28-year-old Kaka has scored eight goals from 29 appearances. Madrid was eliminated from the Champions League in the first knockout round for the sixth straight year.