Rafael Leao has high hopes for his future after signing a long-term Milan contract. ‘I think this is the right club where I can win the Champions League or the Ballon d’Or.’
The Portugal international sat down with ESPN Deportes programme Ahora o Nunca to discuss his decision to commit to the Rossoneri, even though he was being offered higher salaries at the likes of Chelsea, PSG and Manchester United.
“I stayed because they helped me to achieve my objectives, we won the Scudetto together and this club allowed me to grow as a player. I feel mature, I feel like a leader of my team,” said Leao, who changed to the Number 10 jersey this year.
“I think this is the right club to continue my career and achieve more targets, like winning the Champions League or the Ballon d’Or.”
The 24-year-old scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 48 competitive games for Milan last season.
Although the sudden departure of directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara shook the players, the new hierarchy has been busy strengthening the squad with seven new signings, who will be eight once Yunus Musah arrives from Valencia.
“I think we will have more options, especially in attack and midfield. Last season we didn’t have many alternatives and in the Champions League semi-final with Inter we suffered from the fact they were able to bring players off the bench who could make the difference.
“The direction has changed this season the club made great buys like Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. They raise the level of the squad and I am very happy to have them in the side.”
Luka Romero arrived as a free agent from Lazio and Leao is hoping to show his growing maturity by taking the young Argentine under his wing.
“He’s quite timid and quiet, so I keep telling him that he mustn’t be afraid of anything, just take the ball and show why Milan decided to bet on him.
“Romero and Pulisic are quite similar in style. I saw Pulisic play both for Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, he can dribble past one or two players in a row, shoots with the right or left foot the same way and is really quick.”