Kaka (Brasilia, Brazil, 22/4/82)
It is accepted wisdom that foreign players don’t make a big impact in their first season but this frail-looking midfielder ripped up that particular rulebook. Shy and studious in appearance off the pitch, he is a dynamic, attacking force once he sets foot on to the field of play. Brought in by Milan in 2003, he was an immediate hit and helped the Rossoneri to the League title. A year later his verve and imagination took them to the brink of Champions League glory before they blew it against Liverpool.
Kaladze, Kakha (Samtraedia, Georgia, 27/02/78)
The former Dynamo Kiev star was brought in by Milan midway through the 2000-01 season to bolster their defence. Slotting in nicely at left-back he was a major contributor before injury and fluctuating form saw him drift out of the picture for lengthy periods. Still, he can say he played his part in at least one League crown and Champions League victory.
Katanec, Srecko (Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, 16/7/63)
This rangy midfielder was a star man for Sampdoria at the start of the 1990s as he filled a number of roles for the club and helped them pick up their first and only League title. He also played a big part in their near miss in the European Cup before serious injury sidelined him for two seasons and the club let him go in 1994.
Klinsmann, Jurgen (Goppingen, Germany, 30/7/64)
Signed from Stuttgart after Inter had won the League with a record breaking points total, he joined countrymen Andreas Brehme and Lothar Matthaus to make up a German trio designed to battle with the three Dutchmen on the other side of Milan. Klinsmann struck 34 goals in 95 games for Inter in Serie A and won the UEFA Cup before heading off on his travels right around Europe.
Kohler, Jurgen (Lambsheim, Germany, 6/10/65)
A tough man marker, he was snapped up by Juventus in 1991 and enjoyed four good seasons with the club, helping them win the much longed-for championship before returning to Germany. His battles with some of Serie A’s top strikers were close encounters indeed with no favours asked for - and none given in return.
Krol, Ruud (Amsterdam, Holland, 24/3/49)
A three times European champion with Ajax, this classy defender arrived in Naples a considerable time after his 31st birthday and still managed four memorable seasons. He played over 100 games for the Neapolitans and proved a vital part of their defence just as he did for the Dutch national team in 83 internationals stretched out over 14 years.
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