Milan midfielder Kaka has been named Serie A's Player of the Year for 2004 by his fellow players. The 22-year-old Brazilian international pipped team-mate Andriy Shevchenko and Best Italian Player Francesco Totti to the award voted for by members of the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC).

"It's always nice to learn that your work is appreciated," Kaka was quoted as saying. "I want to stay here and win here for a long time to come."

Kaka proved one of the revelations of the 2003-04 season. Virtually unknown in Italy when Milan bought him from Sao Paolo in 2003, he scored 10 times in 30 matches as Milan ran away with the Serie A title.

On a good night for the Italian champions, Carlo Ancelotti was named Best Coach and Milan captain Paolo Maldini won Best Defender.