Rafael Leao has insisted that AC Milan believe in their Scudetto hopes, while he also shed some light on how the recovery is going after his muscle injury.
Leao suffered a first-degree injury to his right hamstring on November 11th against Lecce and as per reports today he will undergo a new MRI scan to understand if his physical problem is is it solved or not.
The team have had mixed fortunes while he has been out, winning in the league against Fiorentina and Frosinone but losing their crucial last Champions League home group game against Borussia Dortmund.
Leao attended the Gran Galà del Calcio awards tonight and he was interviewed by Peppe Di Stefano for Sky, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
How is your injury?
“I feel good, it’s not a serious injury but you shouldn’t risk it. I’m working together with the doctors to avoid taking risks, the season is long. You have to work step by step. But I feel good, no pain. I’m still trying to take time to get back to 100% to help my team. However they are doing well, but I hope to return soon.”
How does it feel to be a leader at Milan?
“I always try to put the team in the right, positive mood. It’s an important thing to let off the pressure, because now there’s too much pressure. But as I always say, the pressure is good because my team is strong, we have important fans who care about us from start to finish.
“I always try to create a ‘good mood’ in the team, to help those who have arrived now. I also try to help from outside, it’s wonderful to see my team when they’re doing well, when we win at home, Milan must win.”
Do you still believe in the Scudetto?
“Yes of course, the season is long. My team is fine. There were matches in which we should have done better and we should have won, but now we are getting back to winning at home.
“We are throwing off the pressure and I trust my team because we have signed players with great quality: Christian [Pulisic] also scored a great goal in the last match. If I’m out I’m sure my team-mates will give 100% for the team, they did very well and I’m happy.”
f everything is in order, the Portuguese winger should be available for the next league match against Atalanta (Saturday at 18:00 CET) but it remains to be seen if that would be as a starter or off the bench.
