Rafael Leao, spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the 1-3 victory against Slavia Prague.
Is this the best moment of your season?
"Yes, I think so. I'm feeling good, I'm getting along well with Giroud and Pulisic, and the team is doing well too."
You're scoring more goals...
"It's my job: to help the team even when I'm not scoring or assisting. I'm really happy with myself, but it's the team that's doing well."
How do you find working with Pioli? Leao answered:
"As I always say: he's an extra person who helps me. In the last three years, he has understood better how to help me 100% to make a difference, so this good moment is also thanks to him."
Do you have a wish for the quarterfinals?
"No, I don't, but we know we'll face important teams. But the goal is always the same: we want to go as far as possible in this competition."
Today Pioli kept you more inside the field... Where do you prefer to play? Leao answered:
"It depends on the matches. There are games where I can't always stay wide, others where I have to stay higher, in the middle, understand. Now I'm 24 years old, I understand the game better. With Giroud and Pulisic, we understand each other well: I don't need to watch them because I already know where they position themselves in the box; then behind me, I have Theo, with him, I have an extra weapon. Everyone helps me to be a better player, then Pioli puts me in a position to stay calm by telling me 'Come in and enjoy yourself'."
Do you need to be more functional? Leao said:
"A good pass makes the difference. When I talk about magic, joy, it means taking the risk. Simple things are done by all players. I enjoy myself like this."
How much do you feel like a Milanista?
"100%, obviously. I was lucky to have Ibra, a champion who helped me: he didn't show me the strengths I have, but he made me understand what Milan is. He and Maldini helped me understand how big Milan is. When I was a kid, I watched Milan's champions, but then when you're here, it's another story. It's an honour to play for this jersey, and I'm happy to be here."
Leao also spoke to Milan TV
"My goal? Yes, it was nice, it's a move I always try in training and I managed to score, I'm happy to advance to the next round and for the nice victory of my team."
Aim to go further...
"We want to push in the Europa League and try to win it, for us and our fans. The exit from the Champions League didn't please us, we know it's our moment and we're all excited to continue this journey in Europe, now we're thinking about Verona."
On the support of the fans, Leao said:
"I always say, they are our strength and they were close to us tonight too. It's nice to have fans like them, we play also and above all for them and for the support they always give us."
