Rafael Leao has revealed details about how his move to AC Milan came about, what Zlatan Ibrahimovic is really like and how he feels in his new role.
Leao is having somewhat of a strange season so far it would be fair to say. He was held back by a calf injury that he sustained back in August, and in the past few weeks hasn’t been close to 100% because of a lingering adductor/lower back issue.
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However, the Portuguese has still found a way to be decisive for Milan, like on Wednesday night against Como. Having struggled to impact the game to that point, he latched onto a 50-yard pass over the top from Ardon Jashari and lobbed Jean Butez to earn a draw and keep the unbeaten run going.
Leao on FaceTime with Maldini, Zlatan and more
There is talk of a renewal being in the pipeline. In the meantime, Leao gave an interview to CBS Sports in the new episode of Kickin’ It and he responded to questions on a number of things, from his childhood to joining Milan. His words were transcribed by MilanPress.
What kind of environment did you grow up in?
“It’s a place that doesn’t offer many opportunities, but great talent. The kids play together in the park after school. These things helped me grow, staying humble.
“If you can grow up in these conditions, when you have the world at your feet, you can understand what’s right from wrong, you don’t get lost. Thanks to my father, but also to my friends, I grew up like this.”
Was it always football for you?
“Yes. I started late, at 7 or 8 years old. Before signing with Sporting, I had signed with Benfica. My father at the time couldn’t drive me; he didn’t have a car. Benfica offered to pick me up after school; I was a Benfica fan at the time. But what I was told wasn’t respected.
“So I signed for Sporting. When you’re a kid, you just want to play football, and when you’re a fan, you want to play for that club. I was angry. Life led me to the rivals, Sporting arrived, and that’s how it began.”
Did Cristiano Ronaldo start it?
“He was a positive pressure, a push.”
When did Milan call?
“Inter called sporting director Luis Campos and said they were interested. I wasn’t sure, but in the past I’d followed and heard about Milan with Maldini, Ronaldinho my idol. Not Inter. I said: I’ll stay another year.
“We finished second in the league and would have played in the Champions League the following year. But then he told me: Milan wants you. I think the deal will be done in a few days. In training you play the first part, not the second. No risk.
“They told me: someone wants to speak to you in ten minutes. Facetime, Maldini. He asked me how I was, told me they’d followed me during the season, asked me if I wanted to be part of the Rossoneri family. And I went straight to the signing.”
Was Ibrahimovic demanding?
“Yes, too much, too much. In a training session, some young players from the Primavera had come to train with us and in a practice match he ended up with them, losing the match. He went to the coach and said, ‘This is the last time these young players come to train with us.’
“For me, it was positive pressure. You have to learn with these people, because if they talk to you it’s because they care about you. I loved that. Yes, we still talk often. We have a good relationship, when he comes he asks me about my family.
“He’s someone who has helped me a lot, he’s someone I want to keep in my life even off the pitch. If I need anything, I know he’s there and he’ll help me.”
In 2021-22 you won the Scudetto and the season MVP award…
“I honestly didn’t expect it. After the match, we lifted the trophy and celebrated. Someone came to me and said, ‘Rafa, you’re the player of the season.’ It was something I never expected. It was one of my best individual seasons. But it’s a team thing, because that’s what makes you do so well.”
How are you finding your new, more central role?
“I was ready, I was ready for anything before the start of the season. When the coach told me that, I was ready. When you play as a centre-forward, you can score more goals because you have more opportunities.
“Football is about numbers, if you want to be among the best you have to put in numbers. It’s different than before. If you score more goals and make a few assists, you can be among the best.”
How would you sum up your experience at Milan so far?
“I think it’s been a journey. It wasn’t easy for me and my family when I arrived. I’m happy to be here, to be a point of reference for the team and the fans. They want the best from everyone and they know what we can do.
“When you play for Milan, you know there will be pressure because the fans want the best. When you lose or when you have a bad game, you can tell from the fans.”
What do you say to those who criticise your body language?
“I can’t change myself. Even as a child, I had a smile on my face, I can’t change that. If I changed it, I wouldn’t be Rafael Leao anymore. They know what I can do, that’s why they’re demanding. I can’t change my body language, I’ve been like this for 26 years.”
The derby is coming up in a couple of weeks…
“Don’t go out in the days leading up to it, stay home. It’s a crazy week. Everyone wants tickets, you see the red, the blue. Everyone’s talking about it in the newspapers. Stay home, save your energy. It’s the best match of the season. It’s a war, it’s a matter of life or death.
“After that match, everyone will talk about that match for weeks. Life or death. And I want to live. I used to watch it in the past, now playing it is incredible. The fans sing from start to finish, every ball, every touch, every duel you have to think is your last.”
Finally, what is it like playing with Pulisic?
“I have a great relationship with him. He’s doing much better now, we know each other better on the pitch. This season we’ve had a few injuries, we haven’t had great opportunities together.
“He’s a great player, one of the best in recent seasons. When he’s on the pitch, I think he’ll create something. He speaks perfect Italian, albeit with an American accent.”
