Rafael Leao did not shy away from the fact that he ‘wants to win big things’ and suggested he is fully focused on Mila for ‘the next two to three years’.
The 24-year-old Portuguese winger, who penned a new five-year contract with the club back in June, has been in good form for the Rossoneri in the early stages of this campaign, netting three goals and providing two assists in their first six games across all competitions.
Leao is the clear standout star in Stefano Pioli’s Milan squad and has come under fire recently for failing to respect defensive duties with the team, leading some to suggest that the club’s entire plan revolves around him.
Speaking to GQ Portugal via MilanNews, Leao first discussed Milan’s Champions League semi-final loss to Inter last season.
“We had some absences and, due to the lack of options on the bench, Inter were clearly superior. They have a very complete team, both in the starting eleven and on the bench, and I believe that this made the difference in the two matches.”
He touched on his dreams with Milan and career in general.
“I believe that the club is on the right path, we managed to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. Now the club’s objective must be to continue to rise, to continue to add, to continue to be strong.
“And I’m sure that Milan will soon return to winning a Champions League, which is our goal. I speak for myself, I’m young, I’m a player who wants to win big things, the Champions League I think is every player’s dream and we are working for this.”
The 24-year-old spoke about the team’s experience despite their relatively young average age.
“Even though we are young, we have already played more than 50 games in Serie A, more than 20 in the Champions League, we already have some experience.
“We can take this experience and this freshness of being young and apply it on the pitch to reach our goals.”
Leao was asked about possibly leaving Milan in the future.
“You can never say never, but I’m in a club that welcomed me very well, I’ve renewed my contract now, if I was thinking of leaving I wouldn’t have renewed it, I’m focused on doing great things in the next two or three years with Milan.”
Finally, Leao commented on any possible temptations from wealthy Saudi Arabian clubs.
“I have not yet achieved great results to go to a league like that. In recent days money has spoken louder, but for me a Champions League is worth more than a salary of €10m, for example.”
He’ll be sold in the summer, guaranteed. Maybe even before if Milan don’t get through their CL group.