Journalist of Il Corriere della Sera, Carlos Passerini, granted an interview to the microphones of those at Milan News. Here are his words when asked about Rafael Leao's situation:
"If It's true that Milan offered 7 million euros to Leao? Yes. Milan has undertaken, for 3 years now and it will also be with RedBird, a management strategy linked to sustainability; it is not a habit, but a necessity and the reports of the last few days show that some teams have not understood this. I fully embrace the management of Milan.The fan must be happy that this sustainability has led to the restructuring of the Club also on a sporting level: Milan wins the Scudetto also because they have their accounts in order and can look to the future with a newfound enthusiasm. today these two matches cannot be forgotten: on and off the pitch.If you don't do it, there is no future and the events of these days - I repeat - are proving it."
He added:
"Milan is doing a lot to keep Leao, they are making a sacrifice: Leao would deservedly become the highest paid in the squad. Trying to live up to the proposals of the Premier Clubs is impossible, but it's not an excuse, it's reality; Milan can't compete with clubs that collect twice as much. Maldini and Massara's strategy for Leao is correct: focus on motivation, making Leao understand - and he understood this - that Milan is the best place for him at the moment; then, if in a couple of years Milan hadn't managed to grow at the same speed as Leao maybe Milan will no longer be the best place for him. What Milan offers to Leao is a sort of pact: Milan gives Leao what Leao can give to Milan today. If he goes to Real Madrid today, there is a risk that he will play in the Copa del Rey, while Milan offers him technical guarantees. Unfortunately, the real crux of the negotiation is the fine: those 20 million to be paid are a boulder and a thought on his mind; if we had a fine that is three times the salary earned in a year we would all want someone to help us... Leao has his whole life ahead of him and he needs a team that believes in him, offering him technical guarantees that other clubs cannot give him . The decision is up to him."
Are you confident about Rafael Leao's renewal with AC Milan?
"I have confidence, which is the confidence that comes to me from Milan. It's not blind faith, because everyone knows that the talks are long and difficult. I also believe that the experiences of those who went away to zero in recent years (Donnarumma, Kessie) have made a little revenue. It is trust, not optimism, in the fact that Leao tells his teammates that he feels good at Milan and that he understands that Milan is the place where he can grow best. The fine remains. Milan can help up to a certain point, finding a formula that supports Leao in getting rid of this thought... It's the real obstacle to the renewal, otherwise the renewal would have already taken place."
