AC Milan's winger, Rafael Leao, who just extended his contract with the Rossoneri today granted a much-awaited interview to the microphones of the club's channel. Here are his words:
"I'm very happy, I wanted it too, and I made it clear to Milan, to all the executives and my teammates. I wanted to stay, and the right moment has come. We reached an agreement to continue my story here. Milan is my home. When I arrived here, everyone welcomed me with open arms. Even in difficult moments, everyone was there to help me improve every day. With this confidence, I can reach the top and win great things. The people at Milan have become my family, and it's the most important thing for my growth process."
On his growth, Leao said:
"In the first two seasons, my numbers were very low. I couldn't dribble past opponents, and I didn't score or assist much. Now, I'm a more responsible and aware player. I'm also more effective, thanks to the help of my coach. At some point, he understood how to raise my level on the field, and off the field, he gives me advice every day. What I want is to win everything with this club and feel the emotion I felt when we won the league title. That's when I saw the magnitude of the club, it's enormous."
On the city of Milan:
"Milan is similar to Portugal. The food is good, there's shopping, and it's amazing for a young person. In my first year, things didn't go well, it took me some time, but life here has been peaceful, and the language is similar to Portuguese. I can live here for many years."
On the club's progress:
"This is an important point: thanking Milan for their efforts to keep all the best players. Last year, we showed people that we, young players, and even the older ones, can have a strong team", said Leao, "I'm happy to continue playing with them."
On the advice received from teammates:
"There's Ibra, who is like an older brother. He has experience in many competitions, many matches, many movements. He's very important for us young players. He has helped me mentally to never give up. After the first half of some matches, when I come to the dressing room and have already scored a goal, he tells me, 'Rafa, you have to score another one, you have to keep going and never give up.' Before important matches, he tells me, 'Rafa, today you have to show everyone who you are and everything you can do.' He is a fundamental person for my growth here at Milan."
Leao, what is the best moment of your career?
"When we passed by with the bus and saw Piazza Duomo all red and black: it was the best moment of my career. I had never seen anything like it."
Who do you thank?
"I want to thank everyone because when I arrived here, I was young. I knew the magnitude of the club, but when you put on the Milan shirt and go to San Siro with our fans, it's not easy. After these three and a half, almost four years, now I'm used to the fans, but this shirt weighs a lot. I'm proud, I have a strong desire to continue here and continue writing my story. I want to thank everyone for their patience, for continuing to support me, us, and my team. I'm at home. When I go around, even in restaurants, everyone comes with a smile. I'm speechless about this. Thank you all: I want to continue scoring many goals, making many assists, and continue showing my talent."
A final message to the fans:
"Hey guys! 2028, here we are: Forza Milan."
