Since I didn't do a links round-up last Saturday, here's one to celebrate Kaka officially joing Real Madrid. Apparently 50,000 people showed up to welcome him and his new number 8 jersey which, I assume, instantaneously became the best selling jersey in Spain. And, as if TFC wasn't happy enough about getting Real Madrid, apparently that game will be his debut. That ought to make everyone in the Big Smoke pleased as punch.

In other news, Manchester United have apparently completed the signing of Luis Antonio Valencia for 16 million pounds. I'm still not sure how I feel about this, especially given that he scored three (3) goals last year. Not exactly a replacement for CRonaldo's 70-odd goals over the last two years.

A much happier rumor has Karim Benzema all set to join Manchester United for 40 million pounds, this according to his teammate Miralem Pjanic. He's really quite good so I'm happy about this.

Apparently, FIFA is investigating Michael Bradley for attempting to confront the referee who gave him that craptastic red card in the Confederations Cup. It was first reported by AS (in Spanish) with no byline and no source, so I'm dubious. So is Grant Wahl over at SI.

For some reason, CONCACAF decided to withdraw its teams from the Copa Sudamerica. Methinks there's more here than meets the eye.

Confederations Cup wrap-up hopefully later today. Stay tuned.

Happy Canada Day, everyone!

Cross-posted at http://spotkicks.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/saturday-night-links-wednesday-morning-edition/