Phil Rawlins: 'Kaka signing is statement of intent'

Orlando City president Phil Rawlins has insisted that the club's decision to sign Kaka is a statement of intent ahead of their first season in the MLS.

Orlando will enter the MLS for the 2015 campaign and today confirmed the signature of the 32-year-old, who became the club's first 'Designated Player'.

Rawlins believes that bringing in a former FIFA World Player of the Year and World Cup winner is a reflection of their ambition and warned the league that they are not there to make up the numbers.

"We not only brought a Brazilian superstar, we brought a world superstar. Today we put MLS on notice. We may be franchise number 21, but we're not here to make up the numbers," Rawlin told the league's official website.

"We're here to win and we're here to play, and what better way to do that than to sign a winner in Kaka."

Kaka will first spend six months on loan at Sao Paulo before linking up with his new club in January.