Rafael Leao has revealed that he felt he could not say no when the call from AC Milan came back in the summer of 2019.
It took some time for Leao to find his feet after he joined the Rossoneri from Lille three years ago as his first two seasons with the club provided flashes of brilliant but largely featured inconsistency.
However, since then he has blossomed, being rightly crowned as the Serie A MVP last season and hitting double figures in goals and assists across all competitions too. A renewal will be on the agenda for Milan given his deal runs out in 2024, but in the meantime he is focusing on helping the team.
Leao spoke during an interview on the UEFA channels in view of tomorrow’s Champions League group stage game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and he began by speaking about his upbringing, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“I was destined to play football, I lived in a poor neighbourhood and it was not easy. If we believe in ourselves, we can go far,” he said.
“I left Sporting at 19 and stayed at Lille for only one season. When Milan contacted me it was a joy. I was happy, but also anxious because at any moment one of the biggest clubs in Italy and in Europe wanted me. I couldn’t say no.
“But getting to a new club at 19 is not easy. I felt like I couldn’t handle the pressure, I couldn’t respond positively on the pitch. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to show what I am worth, the club had no intention of selling me. They believed in me.
“That vote of confidence helped me to grow and improve. Today I feel I am a precious resource for the team and for the club, on the pitch I can help my team-mates. ”
Then sign the new contract
They need to offer him a sensible one first. They have still not offered the 7m net a season despite reports that they intend to.
Sure
6.5 is enough given his age. If he outperforms and wants more he can request a transfer or Milan can up the offer at a later date. Keep in mind he isn’t even making 2 mil right now
i dont want to hear this i love milan they believe me, tell us if contact is signed if not or sold we dont need this shi actually bro i want is nothing.
This sounds like a Kessie-esque declaration. Until the pen on paper, these are only empty words. And nothing more. Just look at players like Theo, Sandro, Tomori
Hahah, it’s amazing how many players can’t say no when signing but are happy to say no when a renewal offer is made to them!
Then PSG came and i couldn’t say no to the flush of cash on the table.
Give him a break he has around 10M euros to pay. If he said yes to 6M he’ll need to save for how many years to pay that amount.
If Milan pays that ~10M I bet he’ll settle for 6M or even less