AC Milan's star, Rafael Leao, granted an interview to the microphones of Serie A's official channel. There were different topics discussed, including his love for surfing:
"I like it because when you're on the crest of the wave, you have to make the most of it. But when you fall, you must never give up, you have to keep trying, and in this, it's like life. Sometimes things don't go well, but you must always keep going."
On the title of the book (Smile)
"It was a book I wanted to write for a long time to talk about my life. There are so many beautiful things to read; I want people who read it to end up with a 'Smile'."
On his beginnings:
"I come from a tough neighborhood. There were many things around me that weren't nice; I had many friends who could have reached the top levels of football but didn't make it because they didn't have a mom, an uncle, or a dad who set rules. I'm lucky to have had exemplary parents."
On who inspired him, Leao said:
"When I was little, I watched Ronaldinho because I liked the Brazilian style and how he moved on the field. He grew up in the favelas in Brazil, and I also come from a tough neighborhood; that street football pleased me. When I watched him on YouTube, I wanted to imitate him."
On going to France:
"When I arrived at Lille, the salary was very different from that of Sporting Lisbon. At that point, friends came to me saying, 'Let's go shopping,' for me, it was a fundamental moment to understand true friends who want you to reach the top and understand what you need to do to be a strong player on and off the field."
On his arrival at Milan:
"I arrived here at 19; the first years were difficult because I didn't play much, but they didn't give up on me, they helped me grow as a player and as a man. Having people like this (Ibrahimovic and Maldini) supporting me is important because I'm still young; I'm only 24, I'm not perfect", as relayed via Pianeta Milan.
On winning the Scudetto, Leao offered this comment:
"I always imagine Piazza Duomo full of Rossoneri fans because it was a very important trophy for me; I've never seen anything like it, it was incredible. I have no words for what I experienced."
On the future:
"Football is like this: sometimes you play well and don't win, other times you play badly and win. Milan's mentality is to win every game. The most important thing is the team. When the team is like that, I also gain confidence to show what I want to show every game."
