Rafael Leao reiterated his feeling of attachment to AC Milan after the full-time whistle last night as he helped the team book a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals.
After Slavia Praha went down to 10 men early again, Milan scored three goals before half-time just like they did at San Siro with Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Leao getting their names on the scoresheet.
The Portuguese winger had a big hand in the win again, having set up Pulisic for the opening goal and then scoring the pick of the goals with a gorgeous shot into the top corner from outside the box.
It must be said that Leao is having a very productive campaign in an almost under-the-radar way given the criticism he has had. The former Lille man now has 10 goals and 11 assists across 35 games in all competitions.
At the end of the game Leao spoke to Milan TV but he also spoke to Sky and his comments were relayed by Calciomercato.com.
Is this your best moment of the season?
“Yes, I think so. I’m feeling good, I’m getting along well with Giroud and Pulisic, the team is also good.”
You’re back to scoring more…
“It’s my job: to help the team even when I don’t score or assist. I’m very happy with myself, but it’s the team that’s doing well.”
What is your relationship like with Pioli?
“As I always say: he is one more person who helps me. In the last three years he has better understood how to help me 100% to make a difference, so this good moment is also thanks to him”.
Is there a team you want to draw in the quarters?
“No, I don’t have it, but we know that we will find good teams. But the objective is always the same: we want to go as far as possible in this competition.”
Where do you like playing best?
“It depends on the matches. There are matches in which I can’t always stay wide, others in which I have to stay higher, in the middle, to understand. Now I’m 24 years old, I understand the game better.
“With Giroud and Pulisic we understand each other well. I don’t have I need to watch them because I already know where they are going in the area; then behind me I have Theo, with him I have an extra weapon.
“Everyone helps me to be a better player, then Pioli puts me in a position to feel calm by telling me ‘Come in and have fun’.”
How much of a Milanista do you feel?
“100%, obviously. I was lucky enough to have Ibrahimovic, a champion who helped me: he didn’t show me the qualities I have, but he made me understand what Milan is.
“He and Maldini helped me understand how great Milan is. As a child I watched the Milan champions, but then when you’re here it’s a different story. It’s a pride to play for this shirt and I’m happy to be here.”
Leao’s been balling for some time now taking ownership on winning the game with his plays. I hope he keeps it up as that’s the sign that he would go to the next level
He’s simply a fantastic player. Anyone who understands even the slightest bit about football can see this, period. Therefore, the whole point is the following: what is the best way, so to speak, to ensure that his game adjusts as effectively as possible to the team’s tactical system, and vice versa, that is, to establish a ‘ symbiosis’ between the team and him, consequently also guiding the next signings based on this parameter.
He isn’t a finished product yet either for being this good… so much more room for improvement and to get to the next level.