Rafa Leao has reiterated his desire to leave AC Milan, stating that the Premier League or La Liga would better showcase his talent. The Portuguese forward revealed his intentions while on international duty with Portugal, expanding on previous comments made in late May regarding his future. According to Sport TV, Leao feels a new challenge is necessary for his career progression.
Leao clarified that his dissatisfaction stemmed from a difficult season where he played through a pubalgia injury for four to five months, often deployed in a position that didn’t suit his strengths. He also expressed concerns about the team’s tactical setup, claiming it hindered his ability to impact matches effectively. He noted feeling physically and mentally worn down by the situation, despite acknowledging his versatility as a second striker or false nine.
The 25-year-old winger initially joined Milan from Lille in 2019 following interest from Inter, with former Lille sporting director Luis Campos informing him of a potential move. He recalled a direct conversation with Paolo Maldini that ultimately swayed his decision, stating he “couldn’t say no” to the Milan legend. Leao has become a key player for Milan, contributing significantly to their Serie A title win in 2022 and their run to the Champions League semi-finals last season.
Leao also discussed his relationships with veteran teammates Zlatan Ibrahimović and coach Stefano Pioli. He praised Ibrahimović’s impact, acknowledging the Swede’s demanding approach but emphasizing the positive influence he had on his development. He also credited Pioli with fostering an environment where he could express his talent freely, particularly from the second year of their partnership. A departure for Leao would represent a significant loss for Milan, potentially disrupting their attacking plans for the upcoming season. His availability could spark a bidding war among top European clubs.
