Rafael Leão, forward and number 10 for Milan, scorer of the second goal against Cremonese, spoke to Sky Sport 24. His full statements.
Happy about the goals in the league, about the three points, or is there a bit of regret?
“Happy about the match even if we could have finished it earlier: we had many chances, I personally as well. I should have done more, even if I scored later: today I feel a bit so so because I was not focused on the details of finishing. But the most important thing is the win: we prepared the match well and the goal also came from a situation we worked on during the week. A difficult match but one that gives us energy ahead of the derby, of course," as relayed via Milan News.
What is it like to live through Derby week at minus 10?
“Derby week is always different. You do not go out: you stay at home with your family and each person has to find his own way to stay focused. It is crucial to arrive ready. We know it is a different match, as I always say everyone has to take this match personally. But it is something to take advantage of because the atmosphere will be very beautiful.”
You moved to the left and scored, coincidence? Leao replied:
“In the first half I had two chances as a center forward that I had to score and I did not. I also feel comfortable as a striker, I did it when I was younger too: I know the movements. What is missing is putting it in the net but I am at ease there. Obviously on the left it is completely different. But the coach understood the match very well and put me on the left for the one on ones and it worked.”
Leao, if you were the Milan coach, where would you deploy yourself?
“I do not want trouble… (laughs). I just want to play, whether on the left or as a striker I try to give my best. Obviously on the left I receive the ball not with my back to goal, I can see the whole play, but as a striker I am closer to goal. In football today you have to put up numbers.”
You have the potential to score 20 to 25 goals every year: what does it depend on?
“It depends on me. But in my opinion, as a striker I have more chances to reach those numbers. Then it depends on me: to prepare well during the week, to create chances, to continue my growth as a forward because I can do better and score more. In my opinion it is something that will come: I have a goal target this season. Then every year you try to do better than the previous one. But I do not have a single word or direct answer for this question: every year I have to look at myself in the mirror and do better than before.”
