Sao Paulo (AFP) - Sao Paulo fans on Sunday turned out in their thousands to see the club present former Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder Kaka for the start of a five-month loan at his former club before he heads to Major League Soccer.

Former Brazil international Kaka, overloooked for the World Cup, will head to Orlando after his loan.

Some 20,000 fans turned out at Sao Paulo's Morumbi stadium to welcome him back to where it all began in 2001 for the 32-year-old.

"It is emotional to return 11 years later to the club that former me and where I started playing aged eight," said Kaka.

"To return to see family and friends is wonderful. Sao Paulo launched me into the world of football," said Kaka, full name Ricardo Izecson Leite dos Santos.

"Many thanks to all of you for coming -- it is a very special day," added the veteran, who received a commemorative shirt and launched into a rendition of the club song.

He is set to make his second debut for the club at home to Chapecoense on July 19.