Rafael Leao insists the 2-1 Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain ‘showed everyone what Milan are in our house’ and explains his goal celebration at San Siro.
The victory was absolutely necessary this evening after amassing only two points and not a single goal in three Champions League games so far.
It looked to be going wrong when Milan Skriniar was left unmarked at the back post on a corner to give Paris the lead, but the acrobatic Rafael Leao overhead kick and towering Olivier Giroud header turned it around.
Leao was named Man of the Match by UEFA and spoke to Mediaset after the final whistle.
“The award should go to the whole team tonight. We showed everyone what Milan are in our house. I am speechless, so proud of my team, we worked incredibly hard and I am really happy,” said Leao.
“This match was the one that could change everything in our group and victory was the most important thing. We won, now it must give us the confidence to keep going and reach the top of the group.”
His goal celebration saw him put a finger to his lips as he looked up to the stands, so was this a response to some of the criticism he has received?
“Criticism pushes me on, so keep talking all you like, I do my talking on the pitch. I help my team, we showed today that all together, we can do it. We believe in qualification, always.”
Unlike the 3-0 defeat at Parc des Princes, Leao this time overshadowed his rival Kylian Mbappé.
“Mbappé is Mbappé, a player who I would like to model myself on. I just try to be Rafa, to help Milan.”
The group is now wide open, as Borussia Dortmund are top on seven points after beating Newcastle United 2-0 today, followed by PSG on six, Milan five and the Magpies on four.
Last 20 mins showed why Milan are where they are. Lack of strength in depth in key areas, so instead having to park the bus to protect a fragile 1 goal advantage. Against a team that was destroyed by Newcastle.