Massara outlines Leao renewal status, rumours about fine and Brahim Diaz strategy

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan director Ricky Massara answered some interesting questions before tonight’s game against Empoli in Rafael Leao’s renewal on Brahim Diaz’s future.

There has been a lot of speculation over the last 24 hours about Leao and whether he might be closer than ever to renewing his contract, with reports coming from Spain and Portugal suggesting that the obstacle of the fine owed to Sporting CP might soon be resolved.

That is not the only issue on Milan’s agenda though, as Paolo Maldini and Massara must also make a decision on Brahim Diaz whose loan deal from Real Madrid expires at the end of the season, while Olivier Giroud is also on an expiring contract.

Massara spoke to Sky just before the game against Empoli tonight at San Siro, with his comments relayed by MilanNews and translated below.

“It was a wonderful performance in Naples: it gave us confidence for the next period. Let’s start over from that match, giving continuity from tonight,” he said.

Is Giroud’s renewal done?

“We are at the details. Renewal imminent.”

What is the strategy with Brahim Diaz?

“He’s done very well in recent years. We’ll sit down at the table with Real Madrid and see if the conditions are right. We’d like to aim for it.”

What step are we at on Leao’s renewal?

“There’s a mutual willingness to renew and it’s a good premise. There are particular complexities, but we’re facing them with confidence in the hope of finding a solution by the end of the season.

“Stating percentages is a bit difficult: either he will renew or he won’t, it’s always at 50%. There have been times when we seemed closer, others a little further away. It’s a situation we want to resolve. It’s clear that by the end of the season we need to understand if there will be the possibility of extending.”

What do you think of Pioli’s rotation?

“Tactical choice too, it’s more this than anything else I think. We need to change with all the very delicate matches we’re going to face. We’re very confident that tonight’s team can do well, despite knowing that Empoli are a serious team.”

Who has the decisive word between the lawyer Ted Dimvula and agent Jorge Mendes regarding Leao?

“It is Rafa who has the decisive word.”

Is Record’s rumour about Leao’s fine true?

“The fine is large, but it is less than 21 million. We are spectators interested in the matter, not parties to the dispute, but we are confident that the parties involved can find a solution to allow us to renew faster.”

Tags AC Milan Ricky Massara

2 Comments

  1. I like that! “We are Spectators interested in the matter” I still believe we can only contribute if we chose not compelled to under some agents or lawyer’s conditions

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