Rafael Leao has expressed his appreciation for what AC Milan have given him as a club, and revealed what fatherhood has taught him.
Leao is approaching six years with Milan, having arrived from Lille prior to the 2019-20 season. He would go on to establish himself as one of the best and most entertaining wingers not just in Serie A but around Europe, particularly in the 2021-22 Scudetto win.
The Portuguese has always voiced his appreciation for what the Rossoneri have given to him, though – in terms of his future – nothing can be ruled out with no European football coming next season. Nonetheless, for now, he remains a player for the new director and coach to build around.
Leao gave an interview to Icon Magazine in which he spoke about various topics, from his arrival at Milan to the present day and life away from football. His comments are via MilanNews.
You arrived at Milan in 2019…
“Yes, a lot of time has passed. I arrived when I was twenty, I felt like a kid. Now, however, I have become a man: the club, with all its staff, from teammates to managers, has helped me grow.
“Every day, season after season, they have given me and taught me so much. I have to thank everyone who has been at my side in these years at Milan: each one has been important for my growth.”
How do you respond to criticism?
“I usually don’t read criticism. If you get it, it’s because you’re good at what you do and a lot is expected of you. However, I don’t feel pressure because I love football, it’s the best thing there is for me.
“I was born playing football; every time I step onto the pitch I try to make the most of the opportunity to do what I love most. Obviously it’s also a job, which I always face with responsibility, but also with the desire to have fun with my teammates and take advantage of the opportunity.”
What games do you remember most fondly?
“Among those with the national team, the match against Ghana, in Qatar 2022, when I made my debut in a World Cup. With Milan, the match against Sassuolo away, the last of the season, May 2022, which then gave us the Scudetto.”
Is dribbling your main skill?
“Dribbling is perhaps the symbol of my serenity on the pitch: people talk, there’s pressure, but when I’m on the pitch I can put everything aside. It’s a challenge with myself. My goal: to always try to do better.”
What is your relationship with Milano like?
“There are only positive things in Milano. There are many AC Milan fans, the food is good, the climate is similar to that of Portugal. My family feels at home here.
“Do I miss my country? Of course, there is part of my family in Portugal, my children were born there, it will always be a piece of my heart. But Italy has given me so much, it is part of my growth: I will carry it inside me forever.”
You have a passion for fashion and music…
“I’m a simple guy, so I like simple things: I like to dress comfortably, I don’t let myself be influenced or wear something to please others. Milan is beautiful also for this: there’s Fashion Week, there are beautiful people who dress well. Since I arrived I’ve also learned a lot in terms of style.
“How did my passion for fashion begin? Thanks to my father, since I was a child. We didn’t have much, but even with the little we had he always tried to dress me well, to put nice shoes on me. And he also paid attention to dressing well and was interested in fashion.
“I listen to everything, every genre of music. It depends on my mood, how I wake up in the morning. I put on every type of music based on my mood. Ibrahimovic wasn’t happy at the beginning of my career as a rapper? There’s a right time for everything.
“He’s someone who aims for maximum concentration on and off the pitch, but he understood my personality, that music is something that belongs to me, and also that I’m a responsible person and, as a footballer, I’m not distracted by this passion of mine.”
Now, you are a father too…
“I have learned the value of time, to take advantage of every moment with my children. When I am sad, as soon as I get home and see them I forget about all the difficulties because they are my strength.
“Their smile gives me energy. There may be problems and problems but they give me the motivation to get through everything. They are two beautiful children. I hope I can give them a splendid future.”
What do you do in your free time?
“Staying at home and resting. I sleep a lot. The life of a footballer is not as easy as it seems. It seems like we can do and buy everything, but resting and being with your family are the most important things. There is no money that can buy them.
“So, after training, I stay at home with my family, with my children. When I’m alone I try to rest as much as possible and put my ideas in order about the next things I want to achieve.”
What does the future hold?
“I still have many goals to achieve: I want to continue to have fun and play at a high level.”
It’s Kyle is leaving and with this midtable presentation I dont think there will be stars team somewhere in the world ATM
Smhsmh smh
Sell that barbi clown
Play at a high level? So, I guess he’s leaving then… 😛