Rafael Leao thanks his Milan teammates and the fans for getting him through a dry spell after scoring against Rennes. ‘Theo Hernandez and I can play with our eyes closed.’
It was a relatively comfortable 3-0 victory at San Siro and puts them in a strong position for the second leg of the Europa League play-off, which will be in France on Thursday February 22.
Loftus-Cheek continued his impressive recent form with a pair of headers, before Rafael Leao ended his month-long goal drought with a well-worked move in conjunction with Theo Hernandez.
“I did miss scoring goals, but I was providing assists anyway and happy for the team, as football is a collective sport. Of course, a goal helps your confidence,” Leao told Sky Sport Italia.
“Europe and Serie A, the fans were behind me when I was having a difficult moment, they gave me strength, so I have to thank them and my teammates. They are my family.”
Theo Hernandez is Leao’s twin down the left flank and it is only fitting that the goal drought was ended by a combination with the Frenchman.
“Theo makes it easy, we understand each other really well, when he gives me the ball, I already know where he’s going. When I start running from behind, nobody can stop me.
“I think we can play with our eyes closed, it’s easy to play with a teammate like him and I am very fortunate to have teammates of this quality.”
Milan really are finding their feet, as they have won five of their last six competitive matches, held 2-2 only by Bologna in Serie A.
It is also their second consecutive clean sheet after the 1-0 win over Napoli, so are they pushing not just to catch Juventus in second, but even Serie A leaders Inter?
“There are many games to go, we know it is difficult, but not impossible. We have to be concentrated from start to finish, we are doing well, we are strong and have the confidence to reach the top.”
Leao went off fairly early and was spotted on the bench with some electrodes strapped to his calf. What happened?
“It was just a bruise, I am fine.”
Pure class from Rafael Leao! 🤩
AC Milan are running away with it! 🔥#UEL pic.twitter.com/PVhFexVO3X
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2024
Well Leao certainly has been looking like he is playing with his eyes closed!