Milan icon Ruud Gullit underscores the imperative for Rafael Leao to accrue extensive experience while maintaining his current performance trajectory. Gullit, esteemed for his Ballon d’Or accolade and two Champions League triumphs during his tenure at Milan, conveyed his sentiments during an interview with Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti. Addressing inquiries pertaining to Rossoneri luminary Rafael Leao, the Dutch football legend emphasized the significance of the Portuguese forward’s developmental journey. Despite encountering fluctuations in form throughout the ongoing season, Leao has notably contributed to a tally of 16 goals across various competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.
“He must keep doing what he’s doing, the more experience he gets, the better,” said the ex-Dutch midfielder as quoted by MilanNews.
“He’s a player who can help Milan fight for the title even if this season has been different because Inter are doing really well.”
Gullit was accompanied by his fellow countrymen Marco Van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, both esteemed figures in the annals of AC Milan history, comprising a triumvirate emblematic of one of the finest football collectives in recorded history.
“It was a different era. Every Serie A club had three champions, now we must fight against the money coming from England, which is difficult,” admitted Gullit.
“Nowadays, many nig players are in other countries.”
Ruud Gullit amassed a total of 56 goals throughout his tenure of 171 matches with Milan. Prior to his time with Milan, the former Dutch midfielder also featured for a season at Sampdoria in Serie A. Subsequently, Gullit concluded his professional football career by representing Chelsea for the final three years.