Gerry Cardinale, the proprietor of Milan Football Club, has provided players with his personal contact information, although Rafael Leao refrains from utilizing it, citing reluctance to “disturb” him. Meanwhile, Stefano Pioli consistently emphasizes to the Portuguese striker that he occupies the position of being “always the last one.”
Leao recently participated in an extensive interview with the publication Il Corriere della Sera, wherein he discussed various aspects of his life and career. The interview coincided with the release of Leao’s book titled ‘Smile,’ which occurred last week.
Over the course of their relationship, Leao has developed a strong rapport with coach Pioli. Nonetheless, there persists a particular message that Pioli consistently conveys to the talented Portuguese player.
“You are always the last one,” revealed Leao.
And when asked if Pioli was right, Rafa replied: “Yes.”
Leao also spoke about his relationship with club owner Cardinale.
“We don’t meet too often but he likes and helps me. He even gave us his mobile number but I’ve never called him. I don’t want to disturb him; CEO Giorgio Furlani is close to us. He even speaks Portuguese, he’s a great person.”
The 24-year-old athlete has accumulated nine goals and eight assists in 33 appearances across various competitions this season. Despite these statistics, criticisms from both fans and media have been directed towards the player during this period.
Numerous voices contend that Leao ought to demonstrate a higher level of productivity on the field, a sentiment with which the Portuguese international does not entirely refute.
“I love great goals, of course I’d like to score more, but I also make assists, I am a complete player,” he said.
“Today’s football is only about stats and I don’t like it. Football is magic and joy. People who only think about numbers make me angry. People must be entertained so that I can have fun too. I am a fan of aesthetics and beauty. In football, fashion, music and love.
“Critics always motivate me. Sometimes I get angry, but only if it’s not constructive,” he continued.
“I am sorry when they are done just to taunt me. Sometimes I ask myself: ‘Does this guy knows anything about football?’ These things make me stronger anyway, I know where I can get.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a former teammate of Leao, now a club director at Milan, has called the Portuguese forward ‘a genius.’
“I am not a genius, but he [Ibra] helped me so much raise the bar,” said Leao.
“He talks to me about everything, not just football. I needed him. He has helped me as a footballer and as a man. He was very important to me when he was a footballer and is still today.”
TLeao asserted that Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho served as his idols, although he refrained from designating a definitive figure in the realm of music. He remarked, “Perhaps the sole exception is Bob Marley, for whom I also bear a tattoo.”
In recent weeks, the former Lille striker has been the subject of speculation linking him with clubs such as Chelsea, Barcelona, and PSG. Nonetheless, he emphasized his contentment with AC Milan and his life in Milan.
Critics often contend that Leao should exhibit greater prolificacy, a sentiment not entirely refuted by the Portugal international.
“It’s my home. I like everything. Shopping, fashion and even the weather because it’s similar to Portugal. If you think it’s cold, try to go to Lille! And then food, I like everything about Italian cuisine. Pasta, risotto, fish…”
The Rossoneri are among the favourite sides to win the Europa League this term.
“There are many strong sides, but we have a clear idea. Go all the way to the Final and win it,” the Portuguese forward concluded.