The news arrived late at night, coming directly from Portugal. The interview given by Rafael Leao to Sport TV, in which the Portuguese player expresses his desire to leave Milan, is certainly not the cause of the Rossoneri’s crisis. If anything, it is one of its most evident consequences.
The point, in the writer’s view, is not the content of his statements: after all, the fact that Leão’s cycle at Milan is nearing its end has long been evident, and his departure is the natural course of events. The real issue concerns the context in which this departure is taking shape: how, when, and above all why.
Before going deeper into this topic, we must note that Milan fans are eager to see how the club will cope with Leao’s exit. Bringing in a strong forward/winger is crucial. But meanwhile, the supporters could relieve some stress and maybe even strike gold while at it thanks to Winshark offering loyalty-driven experiences designed to make active users feel more recognised and valued over time.
Speaking of Leao again, today, in fact, Milan conveys a sense of disorientation that does not involve only the fans. A week after the general clear-out decided by RedBird following the second consecutive exclusion from the Champions League, the Rossoneri find themselves without even the semblance of a project: names of chief executives, sporting directors and coaches are being circulated. There is talk of dozens of daily conference calls: but in the meantime there is nothing concrete, and in a few days the man to whom everything has been entrusted, namely Zlatan Ibrahimović, will leave for a month and a half in the United States to work as a commentator for the World Cup.
A Milan without a clear project: uncertainty drives everyone away
The perception is that this same uncertainty permeating the fans’ mood has also reached the dressing room. There is no clear direction, no recognisable vision, and above all no ability to communicate what the club’s technical and sporting project actually is. What is the plan for the future? What are the objectives? On what foundations will next season be built? These are questions that, at present, seem to have no answers. And this is precisely the biggest problem. In such a context, it is hardly surprising if a coach or executive carefully considers the idea of committing to the Rossoneri cause. Likewise, it is difficult to blame a player who chooses to look elsewhere and assess other opportunities for his career.
Leao and Milan: a departure that reflects the club's situation
But let us turn to Leão: Rafa has often been a divisive figure. His inconsistent performances, some questionable attitudes, and certain over-the-top remarks have fuelled criticism and controversy. However, reducing his time at Milan to this would be unfair. Despite all his limitations, Leao has repeatedly shown a genuine bond with Milan. He has done so in his own way, not always choosing the best manner, but he has done so nonetheless. He was a key figure in the Scudetto, he has gone through difficult moments, and he has accepted responsibilities that few others were willing to take on.
If today the Portuguese player is thinking primarily about his own future, it is difficult to blame him. Every professional aims to grow and to join a project capable of offering clear prospects and concrete ambitions. And this is where the real issue emerges. Leão’s possible departure would not be Milan’s main problem. Neither would those of Maignan, Rabiot, or Pulisic, if they were to occur. They would merely be yet another sign of a club that in recent months has progressively lost its identity, credibility, and ability to attract.
The Milan led by Cardinale and Ibrahimović now stands at a crucial crossroads: before even retaining its own champions or convincing new coaches to accept the Rossoneri challenge, it must return to building something that resembles a project. Because without a clear direction, without recognisable leadership, and without a shared vision, no top player will truly have a reason to stay. And no top coach will have a reason to arrive.
