Milan star Rafael Leao feels ‘everyone’s support’ when he plays for Portugal’s national team, including coach Roberto Martinez, but reports in Italy claim Milan and Paulo Fonseca are not concerned by the striker’s claims.
Milan star Rafael Leao has told reporters he feels confidence around him when he plays for Portugal’s national team.
The 25-year-old spoke to local journalists on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw against Scotland.
“I feel everyone’s support here. The coach also has great confidence in me,” said the Portuguese, as quoted by Corriere della Sera.
“He’s asked me to play vertically in one-on-one and do my best—basically, do what I know to create chances. Scotland didn’t leave much space, so the coach wanted me to move deep with and without the ball.”
Italian media linked Leao’s words with his apparent poor relationship with his compatriot Fonseca, the new Milan coach.
Leao snubbed a cooling break alongside Theo Hernandez in August during an away Serie A game at Lazio and was seemingly unhappy to be subbed off in a derby della Madonnina against Inter in September.
However, Gazzetta and Corriere della Sera report that Milan and Fonseca are unconcerned by Leao’s recent claims and that the Rossoneri coach does ‘not feel attacked.’
Leao will return to Milanello today to resume training sessions ahead of the next league fixture against Udinese.