Milan star Rafael Leao opened up about his career, his ambitions and his desire to play in the Premier League ‘in the future’.
The 23-year-old Portuguese winger recently agreed to a new five-year contract with the Rossoneri, tying him to the club until the summer of 2028. His future has been a key talking point this season in Lombardy and his willingness to pen a new deal has silence the rumours of a move away this summer.
Leao is a central figure of Stefano Pioli’s Milan squad and his absence for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash with Inter was painfully felt. He will be hoping to help them overcome their 2-0 goal deficit in the second leg on Tuesday.
Speaking to magazine Gaffer, Leao first reflected on the early stages of his career with Sporting CP.
“Sporting is one of the best academies in the world, if not the best, since it’s trained two Ballon d’Or winners.
“It’s an honour that fills me with great pride to have come through the ranks there, they opened the doors for me to the footballing world and I’m very grateful for them. It’s definitely a club that I will remember and take with me forever.”
He touched on some of his childhood idols.
“Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. They’re players that I followed and tried to copy when I was growing up. I learned how to do the things I do today, dribbling…by watching Youtube videos of them. They’re both big idols of mine and I’d love to have a career similar to theirs.”
The Portuguese winger spoke about his year in France with Lille.
“It wasn’t easy in the beginning because it was a sudden change and I wasn’t expecting to move to another country so soon, but this was extremely important for my growth and it helped me mature as a player.
“I grew as a person too because I learned a new language and how to deal with new people in a different environment.”
Leao remembered how it felt to wear the Milan shirt on the pitch for the first time.
“I felt an immense amount of pride and also a great sense of responsibility. I also felt nervous because the Milan jersey weighs a lot. It’s a club with a lot of history that has won several titles, seven Champions Leagues!
“So when I had the opportunity to come here I didn’t think twice. The first few days and months were exciting times because I never thought I’d get to wear this jersey. It’s an honour to be representing it to this day.”
He looked back at the Rossoneri’s Scudetto success last season.
“Very happy. It was something that our team had been looking forward to for a while. It was the result of a lot of effort and work, It was historic!
“It was a very special moment for me personally because it was the first championship that I won with Milan and it’s a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my career and life.”
The 23-year-old touched on his experience at the World Cup in Qatar.
“I can only describe it as an incredible experience. Representing my country is always something special, especially in a competition like the World Cup.
“It was an amazing experience that I enjoyed to the fullest. I was very proud to be able to represent my country in that competition and hope that I can help us achieve something special in the future.”
He was asked if there was anywhere he wanted to play in the future.
“Premier League. I think every player wants to play in the Premier League because it’s a very competitive league. It has engaging football, great teams and a worldwide audience.
“Serie A is currently very well positioned in the football world but I would definitely have to say the Premier League in the future.”
Finally, Leao discussed his ambitions for his career and life.
“Football-wise, my goal is to win the Champions League and a Ballon d’Or. As an artist, I personally don’t think about it too much, I go with the flow.
“As an individual, I think about making my label one of the biggest household names in the music world.”