Milan star Rafael Leao says he signed a contract extension with Milan because he wanted to stay for ‘at least one more year’ and admits the relationship with Stefano Pioli was ‘strange’ initially.
The Portuguese striker penned a new deal with the Serie A giants last summer, extending his stay at the Stadio Meazza until 2028. Leao signed a new agreement after months of negotiations, but he never thought about leaving the Rossoneri.
“They [club directors] knew I wanted to stay at Milan for at least one more year for the project and to show my worth. I knew I had to wait it was just a bureaucratic issue,” Leao told Sky Sport Italia.
The 24-year-old was named the best Serie A player in 2021-22 when the Rossoneri won their first Serie A title in nearly a decade. Working under Pioli has been crucial for the Portuguese star, although his relationship with the Italian tactician wasn’t ideal initially.
“It was a little bit strange initially. I am a person who likes to hear things straight. If you talk to me for 30 minutes, I won’t listen,” he said.
“His approach was aggressive, and I was quite chilled. He understood and he changed. He would often call me to ask about my family, my playing style and if I needed anything. Our rapport changed then, and we became almost like father and son. When I go on the pitch, I feel responsible for repaying his trust. He deserves the best. He helped me become a better man and gave me more responsibility. He always says the right things things. He doesn’t speak much, but he says the right things.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also helped Leao develop at San Siro.
“He didn’t say anything when I played well, but when I didn’t, he would come to me and say: ‘Rafa…’ He put positive pressure on me. Ibra’s tips have helped me, now he will help me even more with his return. It’s an important person for us and it’s fundamental to have him.”
What moment embodies Milan’s title-winning campaign in Leao’s mind?
“It’s a game more than an image. Against Lazio, with Tonali’s goal. We didn’t give up and after that game we understood we’d win the title,” he said.
Milan are nine points below table leaders Inter in Serie A and have been dropped to the Europa League from the Champions League. So, what are their targets in the second part of the campaign?
“The season is still long, but to win the Scudetto, we should not drop points, especially when we play well. To win the Scudetto, you must win when you play well and draw those you can’t win. However, this season, the team is better than last season. The last few victories boosted the group’s confidence and now we want to work to win something important.
“We want to win the Europa League. Ibra won it, and he will pass on to us the experience of winning it. Milan has never won it, and along with my teammates, we feel the responsibility for being remembered for that.”
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Leao also spoke about his passions off the pitch, mainly music and arts.
“Football and music are my biggest passions because they allow me to express my feelings. On the pitch with a smile and with musing through the words. I tell people never to give up. To enter San Siro with Milan’s shirt is always a joy.
“Perhaps one day I will paint pictures. For now, these are the three fields where I like to express myself.”
What’s the reason behind his passion for music?
“I’ve always had it. My father was a singer, and my uncle was a DJ. I’ve been into music since I was a child. I am shy, so it helped me bring out emotions in difficult moments. That’s how I started.”
What does he say in his songs?
“Never give up. Five years ago I was a kid playing in France, now I play for Milan, one of the best clubs in the world.”
Leao made headlines in Italy in December as he attended the Gran Galà Awards wearing a skirt. Why did he do that?
“Personality. My mum wasn’t too convinced,” he admitted smiling.
“She asked why I would wear a skirt, but then she got convinced and said it suited me,” Leao concluded.