Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has given players his mobile number, but Rafael Leao doesn’t want to ‘disturb him’, while Stefano Pioli keeps telling the Portuguese striker that he’s ‘always the last one.’
Leao released a lengthy interview with Il Corriere della Sera, speaking about his life and career. The interview was released last week when Leo launched his book ‘Smile.’
Leao has built a solid bond with coach Pioli over the years, but there is still something the Italian tactician keeps telling the Portuguese ace.
“You are always the last one,” revealed Leao.
And when asked if Pioli was right, Rafa replied: “Yes.”
Leao also spoke about his relationship with club owner Cardinale.
“We don’t meet too often but he likes and helps me. He even gave us his mobile number but I’ve never called him. I don’t want to disturb him; CEO Giorgio Furlani is close to us. He even speaks Portuguese, he’s a great person.”
The 24-year-old has nine goals and eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season but has still attracted criticism from some fans and media this term.
Many argue Leao should be more prolific and the Portugal international doesn’t entirely disagree.
“I love great goals, of course I’d like to score more, but I also make assists, I am a complete player,” he said.
“Today’s football is only about stats and I don’t like it. Football is magic and joy. People who only think about numbers make me angry. People must be entertained so that I can have fun too. I am a fan of aesthetics and beauty. In football, fashion, music and love.
“Critics always motivate me. Sometimes I get angry, but only if it’s not constructive,” he continued.
“I am sorry when they are done just to taunt me. Sometimes I ask myself: ‘Does this guy knows anything about football?’ These things make me stronger anyway, I know where I can get.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a former teammate of Leao, now a club director at Milan, has called the Portuguese forward ‘a genius.’
“I am not a genius, but he [Ibra] helped me so much raise the bar,” said Leao.
“He talks to me about everything, not just football. I needed him. He has helped me as a footballer and as a man. He was very important to me when he was a footballer and is still today.”
Leao added that Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho were his idols, while he doesn’t have a “true idol” in music. “Maybe the only one is Bob Marley. I also have a tattoo for him.”
The ex-Lille striker has been linked with Chelsea, Barcelona and PSG over the last few weeks, but he insisted that he’s happy with the Rossoneri and in Milano.
“It’s my home. I like everything. Shopping, fashion and even the weather because it’s similar to Portugal. If you think it’s cold, try to go to Lille! And then food, I like everything about Italian cuisine. Pasta, risotto, fish…
“My future is at Milan, I am here and I have four years left [in my contract]. Milan helped me when I was in a very difficult situation and they supported me. I won’t forget. I am loyal. I was a kid when I arrived and I’ve grown up as a man and as a footballer. I want to win again, my head is here.”
The Rossoneri are among the favourite sides to win the Europa League this term.
“There are many strong sides, but we have a clear idea. Go all the way to the Final and win it,” the Portuguese forward concluded.