AC Milan Portuguese winger, Rafael Leao, granted an interview to the microphones of Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Here are the player's words a day before facing Juventus:
"Facing Juve and Inter? Two very important clashes. However, they are not decisive. With Juve it will be difficult, they are a great team back to scoring points. We must take advantage of the fact that we play at home. Our fans will be pushing us forward, even when it will only be five thousand present there. We need to start winning again, we are ready."
How do you prepare for the Juventus game?
"I try to understand how I can hurt who I will face based on their characteristics. But I'll also let myself be guided by instinct: I dribble, I've been doing it since I was little, it comes naturally to me."
On Paolo Maldini:
"I watched him on TV when I was little, a legend. Now he gives me tips to improve, I feel very lucky."
Theo said that he is faster than you...
"It is a nice challenge! Playing there with him is spectacular, he is one of the strongest full backs in the world. I hope to have in Milan for a long time."
Rafael Leao on his future:
" I have another two years of contract... Let's see, it's still early, I'm sure I'm fine here."
You play with Cristiano Ronaldo in the national team and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Milan...
"With them in the team, anything is possible. I try to stay focused and show myself up to being alongside two giants like them."
If you win a Scudetto, will it be worth a tattoo?
"Maybe yes, let's see...", declared Rafael Leao.
He continued:
"We tame the highest waves, we always try to take them in the right way to stay on our feet and reach the finish line."
On the surf emoji that he always uses on social media:
"I want to show that they are there, in every sense. That I am always ready to give everything for the team, that I can make a difference because I have grown."
On the family:
"It's essential, they support me before and after the games. They taught me that without sacrifices you can't go anywhere."
On his childhood in Bairro de Jamaica in Amora, Portugal...
"In those years I saw everything, I lived with a thousand difficulties, my dream was also that of many children who did not make it. If I am who I am today I owe it to those years, made up of simple things: a ball, friends and loved ones."
Rafael Leao on Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"Zlatan is a champion who has never forgotten the past. He always reminds me to remain humble and to work, work, work: only in this way can you do great things."
On his growth:
"Before I was not constant. Maybe I played a quarter of an hour of great quality. Then, I'd stop and do things only halfway... Today I became concrete, I continue in the 90 minutes, I score more and I do more assists. I play for a great team, of course, but I've changed the way I approach matches."
On how he improved:
"There is a set of factors to it. I know Serie A better, I got the right advice from my and my personal trainer. And I have never lacked the trust of the teammates, coach and club, which has always made me feel protected."
On the tactical key to the turning point:
"Pioli understood me. He knows I can make the difference with my dribbles and sprints. Before with me he took great care of the tactical aspect, I was younger and more undisciplined. Now he doesn't explain much to me, he trusts me, he knows that I do my part even when the opponents have the ball. He tells me 'Stay wide and aim at the man. everything becomes easier for me. I also played as a centre-forward and playmaker. I'm ready to do it again if needed, but on the left it's another thing…"
Are you ready for Scudetto?
"Yes, we are stronger and more mature than last year. Winning the championship is the goal, we want to see Milan all of the Rossoneri. I'm young, but I feel like an adult on the pitch, and the same goes for many of my teammates. Pioli also repeats it, to me, to Sandro (Tonali), to Alexis (Saelemaekers) : 'You are young only on your identity card'."
Stefano Pioli compared you to Thierry Henry...
"I thank him for the comparison, we are talking about a great champion. But I want to be Rafa, I want to make my way. Who inspires me? Neymar, Mbappé, and in Milan I admire Kakà a lot", said Rafael Leao.
Some people claim you score few goals...
"They are not completely wrong. I can and must score more. I work every day to become a great player."
