Rafael Leao feels that Milan are stronger and ready to win the Scudetto this season, ahead of their double header against Juventus and Inter.
The 22-year-old Portuguese forward has been one of the stars of the Rossoneri’s season, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 18 Serie A appearances so far this campaign. He has started 2022 well, with two goals and two assists in the opening three matches of the calendar year.
Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao first discussed his personal growth and how he’s settled properly in Milan.
“We tame the highest waves, we always try to take them in the right way to stay up and get to the finish line. I’m always ready to give everything for the team, I can make a difference because I’ve grown. Before I wasn’t consistent.
“I might play a quarter of an hour at the top of my game, then I’d stop or do things halfway, I’d skip past a man and miss the key pass. Today I’ve become concrete, I’m consistent for 90 minutes, I score more and make more assists.
“I play in a great team, of course, but I’ve changed the way I approach matches. I’m more decisive. I know the Serie A better, I got the right advice from my parents and my personal trainer. And I’ve never lacked the trust of the club, which has always made me feel protected, my teammates and the coach.”
He commented on the importance of Swedish veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the team.
“Ibrahimovic is a champion who has never forgotten his past. He always reminds me to stay humble and to work, work, work, that’s the only way you can do great things. That’s the Leao the scouts talked about when I was a kid.
“I can still improve, but I can already affect the results with my qualities, I’m at a good point of the path. I can and must score more. I work every day to become a great player.”
The 22-year-old Portuguese forward believes that Milan are ready to win the Scudetto this season.
“Yes, we are stronger and more mature than last year. Winning the Scudetto is the goal, we want to see Milan all red and black.
“I’m young, but on the pitch I feel like an adult, and the same goes for many of my teammates. Pioli says the same thing to me, Tonali and Saelemaekers, you’re only young on your ID.”
He feels that winning the Scudetto may be worth a tattoo in celebration.
“Maybe so, we’ll see…”
Leao warned Inter and Juventus of the Rossoneri’s growth and his own personal development.
“The next two games against Juve and Inter are very important, but not decisive, it’s a long season. Juve will be difficult, they’re a great team and they’re back on the score sheet. We need to take advantage of playing at home, our fans will motivate us even if there are only five thousand of them.
“We need to start winning again, we’re ready, we know we’re worth it. I’m trying to understand how I can hurt whoever I’m up against based on their characteristics. But I’ll also let my instincts guide me, I dribble, I’ve done it since I was a kid, it comes naturally to me.”
The 22-year-old highlighted how great it felt to play alongside Theo Hernandez.
“Theo Hernandez is as fast as me. Playing with him is spectacular, he’s one of the best full-backs in the world. I hope to have him around for a long time at AC Milan.”
He was positive talking about his future with Milan.
“I have another two years on my contract, which isn’t a little. We’ll see, it’s still early days, but I’m certainly very happy here.”
Finally, Leao discussed whether it was either to qualify for the World Cup with Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, or to win the Scudetto with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“With them in the team everything is possible. I’m trying to stay focused and prove I’m up to the task of playing alongside two such giants.”