Rafael Leao looked back at his arrival at Milan, how he’s changed since then and his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Portuguese forward joined the Rossoneri in August 2019 from Lille in a deal worth around €29.5m. He’s developed into an incredibly strong player in Italy and last year was the MVP, being a guiding force in Milan’s successful Scudetto hunt.
With less than two years left on his contract, the Rossoneri are keen to tie him down to a new deal but Chelsea are seemingly interested in picking him up.
Speaking to Outpump magazine, Leao first discussed some initial difficulties he faced following his arrival at Milan in 2019.
“The first two years at Milan were difficult, I came from France, where everything was smaller and life was very different.
“When you arrive at Milan you know that you have to be a winner, that many legends have worn the same shirt as you, winning so many trophies.
“You feel it and you live it immediately. After a transition process I became a different person and a different player.”
He commented on the help he received and his relationship with Ibrahimovic.
“In this period my family, coach Pioli and Ibra, who I keep close to me every day, have been fundamental.
“Zlatan is an example, he taught me the importance of asking, of always staying focused, even off the pitch. We talk whenever we can, not as professionals or colleagues, but as men.”
Finally, Leao spoke about his goals and desires for the future.
“Now I want to take advantage of all the opportunities on the horizon, I want to be a hero and deserve my place in the starting eleven of the Portuguese national team.
“If then there is a chance to win, well, it will be very nice.”
Interesting how big an influence Ibra has. And a reminder of how a fairly average player can turn into a top player with the right settings. It is a very fine balance though. He’s found the right conditions at Milan. There’s no guarantee he would do the same elsewhere. Even Messi has failed to recreate the Barca magic at PSG.