Rafael Leao feels he can reach the levels of Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappé and includes himself in an ‘ideal XI’ even though some players of the same age are ‘at a higher level.’
The Portuguese star released an interview with Sky Sport Italia ahead of Milan‘s first game of the year against Cagliari in Coppa Italia.
Leao, 24, started by explaining how his career as a professional footballer began and how he faced the first few problems as a player.
“Both things happened at Sporting. I was doing well. I was training with the first team, but the coach, Jorge Jesus, didn’t like to work with young players, so I thought it would have been difficult to have a breakthrough,” he said.
“I was training well and I was called up for a game against Porto. I went on the bench and it was thrilling just to sit there with the senior players. A striker got injured at some point, so the coach told me to get in. I was not ready, but at the same time, I was not nervous. I thought ‘now or never’. We lost but I scored a goal, and that’s when I thought I could do something important.”
Leao then joined Lille in France. He had a tough time initially, spending five months on the bench and living alone abroad for the first time ever. However, despite a tricky start, he slowly emerged.
“If I had remained in Portugal, I wouldn’t be the player I am today,” he admitted.
Now he is seen as a leader at Milan and is helping young players develop. Leao has recently delivered the assist for Jan-Carlo’s Simic’s first Serie A goal.
“It was an incredible feeling like I had scored the first goal,” said the Portuguese striker.
“Simic is a good guy and he listens to advice. Other young players like Camarda who train with us, must make the most of their chances. It’s not easy but they can have an opportunity today or tomorrow.
“Knowing that my teammates expect a lot from me makes me proud and motivates me to give my best.”
Does any of his idols wear the No.10?
“No, because my idol is Ronaldo, who has the No.7,” he replied.
Can he reach the same level as CR7 and the other top players like Messi and Mbappé?
“Yes, but I am not selfish. I can score goals and provide assists. At this level, numbers make the difference and players like Messi, Haaland and Mbappé have the numbers speaking for themselves. When I will have the same mindset, I’ll reach the same level,” Leao admitted.
Would he include himself in a Top XI with the best players in the world currently?
“Yes, because I am doing well, and I can stay there even if other players of my age are at a higher level.
“When I arrived at Milan, nobody was talking about me, and now I am an idol; that’s why I thank them. They’ve put pressure on me, but it’s always been positive. Without the fans, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”
So, what does his ideal XI look like?
“It’s a 4-3-3 with Maignan in goal, Cancelo as a right-back, Theo on the left, Thiago Silva as a centre-back with, Van Dijk. Actually no, Ruben Dias. Bellingham, De Bruyne and Modric in midfield. In attack, Leao on the left, Vinicius on the right and Mbappé as a centre forward.”