Former AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi gave some advice to Rafael Leao as speculation continues to swirl about his future.
Leao is under contract with Milan until June 2024 and is understandably attracting the interest of some top clubs given that he amassed double digits in both goals and assists last season, being crowned the Serie A MVP.
The negotiation over the renewal of his deal will be a difficult one given the confusion over who has power of attorney between agent Jorge Mendes and lawyer Ted Dimvula, the high salary demands to extend and the €19m fine owed to Sporting CP.
Former Milan player and head coach Filippo Inzaghi gave a long interview to the microphones of Il Corriere della Sera (via PianetaMilan), during which he also gave advice to Leao about his future.
“If I were him, I’d stay. For me, Milan have always been the best. Wearing that shirt, playing at San Siro. A few years ago, perhaps we could have thought of aiming for something more prestigious, because Milan were making a comeback, now instead he has won the Scudetto, he is making his way to the Champions League,” he said.
“Leao is strong, but he can be even stronger. I hope he is convinced. Here he can be the protagonist, at the centre of the project. The risk is that he ends up at City or Real Madrid then to be one of many. If I could give him some advice, I would tell him to become an icon of Milan, a unique thing.”
He also added his thoughts on Milan’s season so far: “Milan have a great coach like Pioli and directors like Maldini and Massara, they know exactly what to do.
“It’s clear that Napoli have traveled at double speed, but I am convinced that the Rossoneri have everything to try and recover for the Scudetto and to go on in the Champions League, to experience those nights that the fans know well.
“De Ketelaere? He’s strong, but he’s young and must be waited for, as was done for Leao. He can become a protagonist, he has quality. We need to take the pressure off him.”
Frankly put it. Leao is not renewing. Put him up for the best bid. Use the $ to but replacement is the only way forward.
I agree…. Time stop the pipe dreams. Oil money rules.