Real Madrid's Brazil star Kaka said it was an emotional night for him on his first return to the club he graced for six years and with which he won the Champions League and the World Player of the Year title.

Kaka was not at his best in the Group C match that finished 1-1 but he did make a decisive contribution, firing in the shot in the 29th minute that Dida couldn't hold, allowing Karim Benzema to give the Spaniards the lead.

Several banners around the San Siro expressed the Milan faithful's affection for their former player while he was afforded standing ovations before and after the game.

"It was an emotional night, I tried to control my emotions and play the match," he said.

"(The reception) was great, as I expected it to be. I was offered a warm welcome. I had some great moments here and I want to thank the fans."