Emotional Kaka thanks Orlando fans after final match: 'I'll be a Lion forever'

While it's not clear what the future holds for him, Sunday's match marked the end of an era as Kaka made his final appearance for Orlando City SC.

The club's first-ever captain saw his time with Orlando end on a losing note, as the Columbus Crew won 1-0.

The result, however, was insignificant considering Orlando's playoff hopes had already been extinguished. Instead, Sunday was a chance for the Lions faithful to say goodbye following Kaka's announcement that he won't return in 2018.

The Brazilian, who will not travel with the team ahead of the season finale against the Philadelphia Union next week, was emotional before Sunday's game began, with cameras capturing a tear rolling down his cheek.

Despite not getting the result, the home fans were in full voice throughout the match and even produced a standing ovation after a pair of young pitch invaders paid their respects to the 35-year-old.

After the match, Kaka reminisced about his time with the club, to which he dedicated his allegiance.

"Today was a special day for me because I kept thinking about everything that's happened over the past three years in this city and with this club," he said.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

"So today is about saying thank you to the club, and my teammates. I'm going to miss you guys.

"I'll be a Lion forever."

Kaka added that the team's first match was one of his most memorable moments and praised the city's ability to unite and rebound after the Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016

He's previously talked about following in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane and getting into coaching, but the AC Milan legend has yet to decide whether to hang up his boots for good just yet.

After making his Orlando debut in 2015, Kaka scored 24 goals in 74 matches for the club.