AC Milan star Rafael Leao has released an interview to the microphones of Login, a monthly magazine of Corriere della Sera dedicated to innovation and technology. Here are his words:
"My market value being higher thah 100 million euros? I don't think about it. My real worth is something else. God gave me talent and I have to be grateful and keep working hard so as not to waste it."
On having more than 1 million followers on Instagram:
"I admit that it's nice. Indeed, it is an honour to be an example for the youngest who maybe follow me for my way of being or because they like the content I post. But I'm a footballer, a forward and therefore, the numbers that make me the happiest are those on the pitch."
On the digital strategy to involve the fans:
"Milan is a huge club with over 500 million fans, the real fundamental element of football. I find it right to try to involve and excite each of them, I am happy with this work of contact, and with the growth we are doing in this sense. Digital channels allow our fans to feel close to the team and their favorite players, at all times", declared Rafael Leao.
On being an example to the younger generations:
"I am proud of this. I am still young and I know that I have to grow from all points of view. But, to think that I am considered an example for the youngest certainly makes me very happy. However, this is also a responsibility, something to keep in mind every day. You have to face the things that happen to you with determination and what I call the 'surfer spirit': if you can't ride a wave, you know that after, another one will come and then you have to be ready. Football has the same roots as life: you have to be aware of your strength and keep working to improve, always."
On his clothing brand 'Son is Son' and his attachment to his family and roots:
"For me, family is the most important thing. What I do on the pitch I want to pass on to them, I want to do well for them. The relationship with my mom is special. My dad is a different person, he wants me to do the right things. I am very attached, and with the first salary I immediately bought the house for them."
Rafael Leao on his passion for music:
" I really enjoy rapping and I think that when I finish my football career I could do that. For now, it is only a hobby. I trap, but I speak above all of my life, of the sacrifices to get here. Here, friendship is another very important value, even in what you do: in football I have many friends, in Milan and also in other teams. This creates group, unity of purpose and also of values. And I am proud to be in a club that is very attentive to issues of social responsibility, which has done so much to promote fairness, equality and inclusiveness through the positive examples of sport."
The explanation of his stage name 'Way 45':
"Many people ask me: 45 is the postal code of my region in Portugal, while Way is the path, so it's a bit of a connection between my origins and road I am traveling on. The Bairro de Jamaica, where I was born, is everything to me: that's where I started playing, where I have my family, my friends, the most important people. It is my heart."
Rafael Leao on the importance of social media:
"Perhaps the difference is seen more by those who are not digital natives, for us it is normal to maintain real and virtual relationships. The use of social networks is also very useful, they allow me to stay in touch with my family and friends and see, even if through a screen, the people I love. My mom calls me every day, for example. Although she often just wants to know if I ate well."
On the difference between playing in empty and full stadiums:
"Football without fans is another thing, there is nothing else to add. This year at the San Siro, over a million total people came to support us, without considering how many times away it was like playing at home. In Reggio Emilia, in the decisive match, it seemed to be in Milan. I believe that the emotions that an event such as a real, live football match gives are incomparable. And then the tide of people who greeted us on our return to the city and the next day in the parade with the open bus. No, the feelings you get in real life are something else!", concluded Rafael Leao.
