Milan winger Rafael Leao says his decision to renew his contract with the Rossoneri was an ‘act of love’, while he’d like to play alongside Kylian M’Bappe one day. The Portuguese winger extended his stay with the Rossoneri until 2028, and speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he explained his reasons behind his decision:
The renewal of the contract happened a few months ago: considering how complex it was, was it an act of love or a numerical one?
“An act of love. The decision was already in my head, I thought about it a lot, it was just a question of timing, of choosing the right moment. Before the contract, I wanted to go to the Champions League final… but we didn’t succeed”.
Is the idea to stay with Milan for life or is all of this out of time?
“Perhaps in today’s football it’s impossible to see yourself in the same shirt for a lifetime. I signed for five years, it means I want to stay here. The project is very important, there are many young players and the most important thing is that here I can grow further to reach my goal: to win a lot.”
Let’s take a look at the season that can be seen on the horizon. With such a new Milan, in terms of names and ideas, what will it be like?
“We have to win a trophy. We have to train and understand what the coach wants in order to have a great team season. From what I’ve seen with Real Madrid, we have a very strong team.”
Better to win in Italy or in Europe?
“I’ve fulfilled my dream of the Scudetto, now the Champions League is missing, the trophy that all players want to win. In Italy, however, it is difficult to win because there are many strong teams and in 38 games you can never lose points. The European cups, in the last year, have shown that Serie A is a strong championship”.
The number 10 on yourback, with the name written in full, RAFA LEAO. What effect does it have?
“I’m proud to have the 10 but it will be even better to play with the 10 at San Siro. I liked it a lot, as I like the 7… but the 7 belongs to Yacine. I didn’t know if Brahim would leave and Brahim is a friend of mine. When I heard he had to return to Madrid, I asked the club for the 10.”
The number 10 calls for a comparison with Ruud Gullit, which for those who have seen him play comes naturally: same number, same devastating physique, same braids running in the air. Is there a similarity or not?
“I saw a couple of his videos, he was very strong one-on-one, fast. I just can’t compare myself to a player like that, I still need a lot to get to that level.”
The novelties of the summer are the purchases, the latest being your friend Noah Okafor, who has just arrived. There was a lot of talk on social media about “agent Leao”, about Rafa who works to convince strong players to sign for Milan. How does it work?
“Milan is a historic, great club. It’s not easy to show everyone what I’m here for, but I certainly try to help the young players who arrive.”
Choose a quality for each of the new players, who were seen in the last week in training. Pulisic?
“One against one. Christian is a strong player, he can make the difference left and right.”
But on the left would be that new number 10.
“Well, Christian can play a few games for me”…
Loftus-Cheek?
“Strength. He’s powerful, he carries the ball, he’s the player who will push the team from back to front. There isn’t a player like him in Serie A”.
Reijnders?
“The skill on set pieces. Tijjani shoots well, he’s strong in passing. For us, the midfielder is important for dribbling.”
In general, how are the new players?
“Very strong. This year, from the goalkeeper to the striker, we are all strong. I feel that the environment is top, we can have a good season.”
A 20-goal season in Serie A? Can it be done?
“Yes, scoring 20 goals is a goal, even if I don’t set it in my head. If I do things right, it will come because last year I came close and the team can help me get to that figure.”
Let’s talk about Rafa Leao’s role in the locker room. Pioli has said in recent days that he sees a more mature Leao, as if there had been rapid growth in recent months. Is there a desire to be more of a leader, to speak more?
“Yes, I feel more and more a leader, thanks to the trust of my teammates. I’m not a person who talks a lot but I’m trying to do it more, to be a voice, even if I think there are better players to speak for the team. When I arrived, some teammates took my hand, now I’m doing it with the new ones”.
So, speaking of the past, what was it like living Paolo Maldini’s farewell?
“It was a surprise. I also came to Milan because Maldini called me. He was very important to me, he helped me on and off the pitch, but the club decided that way. Maybe we’ll see each other in the future.”
And instead, the sale of Tonali?
“I didn’t expect to say goodbye but the club decided this way. It wasn’t easy because Sandro is a Milan supporter, he helped us win the Scudetto. He made his way to Milan, now I wish him the best.”
Does Ibra always call?
“A teammate broadcast his message of strength on the team’s Whatsapp group: he says he’s rooting for us and he’s one of us. Maybe we’ll see each other soon.”
Finally, some curiosities. The first on the physique, which seems increasingly sculpted, even in training alone before the meeting. Is there the idea of working on it a lot? Will the muscles still increase or… is that okay?
“For three years I’ve understood that doing this is important to avoid injury: my trainer is with me in the summer, then he comes to Milan and Portugal. Now I’m not yet 100% fit but we did a lot of running training to get there at the start of the championship”.
We go off the field. Does Rafa Leao ever think about becoming a dad?
“Yes, I want to be a dad soon, even if I haven’t put it in my head. When it comes, it will come”.
Tattoos are on the increase. Which is the last? And the next?
“The last one is here on the left wrist, with the names of my best friend and my nephew plus the infinity sign. I’m thinking of making one for the scudetto won. And if we win it back, maybe I’ll get the two stars tattooed…”.
Quick picks in Los Angeles. An artist with whom it would be nice to make a record?
Lil Baby.
An actor to do a commercial with?
Will Smith.
A star to make an Instagram story with?
Kevin Hart.
And a player that would be nice to play with?
Mbappe.
