Kaka wants to stay with Orlando City after current contract expires

Orlando City captain Kaka says he wants to stay with the Lions beyond his current contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2017 MLS season, telling reporters that reports of a departure are "something that's a mistake."

The Brazilian icon joined the club in its inaugural 2015 campaign and has been a mainstay in the team since, and affirmed to supporters his intent to remain with Orlando City beyond 2017, if possible.

"(It's) a misunderstanding because I am very happy here," Kaka told reporters on Tuesday, as quoted by MLSsoccer. "I had a three-year contract, so this is the last year under this contract, but my idea is to stay here.

"Of course, we never know what can happen at the end of the season or during the season, but my idea for now is to stay in Orlando and stay in the league."

The former AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Sao Paulo star joined Orlando at the request of his good friend and club owner Flavio Augusto da Silva and has made MLS his home, going on to make 52 appearances with the Lions.

He has notched eight goals and recorded 17 assists, helping Orlando ease through the growing pains that come with early expansion years in the league.

Where other big-name star players have eased into already-established sides, Kaka says his experience hasn't been spoiled by a lack of playoffs or by the tumultuous nature of a club still figuring itself out. In fact, he's quite content.

"I am very happy with this experience," Kaka said. "The professional part, my personal life, and everything I could learn from the country, from the city, from the culture here."