AC Milan's left-winger, Rafael Leao, spoke to the microphones of Sky Sport Italia exclusively about different topics regarding his life and football career. Here are his words:
Football and music: How important are they to you?
"Very much, I always have fun because they are both my passions that I have always cultivated over time. I love singing, but it's something I've been doing recently. During the quarantine, I started to try it out and felt comfortable; I'm a guy who doesn't speak much at times, I like to express myself by singing. Football has always been my destiny, ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a footballer, and I am proud to do it in the most important club in the world."
The growth, moving from Portugal to France, do you feel more matured? Leao said:
"I am still young, but if I look back and think about what I have done, I am happy. I remember my debut as a professional at Sporting very well; it was a magical moment because the team at that time didn't have many young players, I was one of the few. Maybe in France, I played there at the wrong time; I was still not mature enough for such football, but it was a formative experience for me, I don't regret anything."
Wearing the captain's armband and being an example for younger players: who do you learn from?
"It's true, against Verona I was the captain, incredible. I was coming from a week that was a bit so-so... the choice of the armband made me emotional; it was a decision of the team and the coach, but I feel like a leader even without the armband or the number 10. It's always me, and I will always be like that, smiles and character. I am happy to be an example; I see Simic, who is very strong, and I always help him. Who do I learn from? My idol has always been Cristiano Ronaldo; I am inspired by him."
At this moment, do you believe Rafael Leao can be part of a top 11 of world players? Leao replied:
"I think so, I am working hard and have done well in recent years; we have also won, and we want to do it again. I am still young to grow; there are players who have reached an incredible level over time and with experience: for example, Vinícius Júnior, Bellingham, and Mbappè. They are of absolute world-class level, and I always enjoy watching them play."
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