Rome - AC Milan fans Tuesday were relieved by the news that Brazilian star Kaka turned down a massive offer from Manchester City and decided to remain with the Devils.

Club owner and Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi gave the announcement Monday night through two television channels, thus putting an end to speculations that began last week and triggered protests from hundreds of Milan fans.

"Kaka stays at Milan. It's a success for Kaka. He resisted and I'm happy that Milan have the honour to field among his great players a man like him," Berlusconi said.

City reportedly had offered the 26-year-old a regal contract worth twice the 9 million euros (11.6 million dollars) he currently earns per season at Milan, who were to receive about 130 million euros for the transfer.

"All the messages I received told me to choose with my heart," Kaka said. "And I think that this is how I made my choice. It was not at all based on money."

Kaka, who is at Milan since 2003, won the FIFA world player and Ballon d'or winner awards in 2007, when his 10 goals were crucial for Milan as they won their seventh Champions League.

The forward said he wanted to thank his family and denied rumours of a disagreement with his father Bosco Leite, who Monday flew to Italy from Brazil and met with the Milan vice president.

"My family were very good and at no time pressed me to go one way or the other. In the end, what mattered was my history, where my ties are and where my heart stands." (dpa)