Rafael Leao has revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent a message to the squad ahead of the new season, and also touched on his new role as a leader within the AC Milan team.
Leao’s contract renewal has been a hot topic over the last few months, but the matter was more or less concluded in the last few weeks as Milan officially announced the renewal of their star on the official website on a deal until 2028.
Having arrived in the summer of 2019, the Portuguese winger has become a leader of the team despite being 23. He has collected 162 appearances, amassing 41 goals and 29 assists for the Rossoneri and earning Serie A MVP in 2021-22.
Leao gave an interview to Milan TV while in Los Angeles for the preseason tour of the United States, which saw the team lose 3-2 to Real Madrid in their first game with Juventus the opponents later this week.
“I’m happy to wear such an important shirt like Milan’s, but its going to be even better wearing the No.10 at San Siro,” Leao began.
“I spoke with the club and asked for the No.10 and they were happy. I must thank them for the faith shown in me.”
On preseason preparations: “I’ve just started back up, I’m not at 100% yet. We’ve been training, doing lots of running, to get to our maximum levels for the start of the league, to get off to a strong start immediately.”
On his importance to the team: “I know my capabilities and what I can bring to the team. I try to make the difference in every game, if the team is well then I’m well too. I want to improve in every game I play in.”
On the new signings: “The new recruits have settled in well. The environment is always relaxed, even for the younger players. They are working really hard.
“The first week went well from the coach’s perspective and what was seen in the game [vs. Real Madrid]. We have a very strong squad.
“I’ve been here at Milan four years, when I arrived some players looked after me and now I’m doing the same with the new arrivals, giving them a hand and helping out, because Milan are a historic and massive club and as times it isn’t easy to show from the off the qualities that brought them here.
“This is why I try help the younger players out. I always try to connect off the pitch first and then try and find the chemistry on the field. It’s easier this way, to play well together.
“There’s not one in particular [that stands out]. All the new signings – Ruben, Luka, Pulisic – they’re all strong players and I’m happy to play alongside them, they’re all quality players.”
On being one of the senior members of the team: “I don’t tend to talk much but I’m trying to speak a little more and be a reference point for the squad. There are players more important than me that have this quality to speak to all the squad.”
On Ibrahimovic’s message: “He sent a message to all the group saying he’s supporting us from distance because he is one of us and I hope to see him soon.”
On his renewal: “I signed for five years, meaning I want to remain here. The project is great and very important. Before signing, I realised that I can still get better here and achieve the aims of lifting some important trophies.
“I’ve already won the Scudetto and now the Champions League is what’s missing. It’s a trophy that everyone wants to win, but it’s difficult in Italy [to win the league].
“This year Napoli won, but there are many other sides that are strong. There are 38 games to play and win, and not drop points, and every side in Italy is strong.
“This year, many also did really well in Europe. Serie A was seen as being really competition.”
On his 2022-23 season and the upcoming one: “In general, it was an important year for me because I continued to show the aspects of my game and showed my worth.
“This year, we must end the season with a trophy win. Last time out, we did well but were missing something. This year we need to train hard, understand what the coach wants from us and have a season competing at the top.”
Where can I find the shirt Leao is wearing in that interview? I can’t find it anywhere.