Leao: ‘I can be one of the best in the world’ – Milan star responds to critics | OneFootball

Milan star Rafael Leao vowed that he can become one of the best players in the world when asked for his response to some of his recent critics.

The Portugal international gave an in-depth interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Thursday.

During his chat with the Italian outlet, Leao spoke on a number of different topics, including his new coach Paulo Fonseca, his new teammates Alvaro Morata and Strahinja Pavlovic, his personal development and new-found maturity, and why he likes to play out wide rather than through the middle.

Leao also revealed he is expecting to become a father to twin boys later in the year.

“I’m going to be a father soon, a father of twins. They should be born in November. I’m sure it will be a very nice experience. Let’s say it gives me another reason to value my family and continue working hard for them,” Leao said at the beginning of his interview with La Gazzetta.

Does he consider this a happy point in his life?

“Yes, going out in the quarter-finals at the European Championships was a difficult moment, but it was still a great experience.

“The holidays did me good. Instead of coming here to New York or to Miami, I went to see my relatives in Portugal. They are the ones who are close to me in the good times and in the bad. Now I’m fired up for the season, I’m happy to be with my teammates and play another year in this jersey.”

Does Leao score enough for Milan?

The 25-year-old was asked what he made of the suggestion that he doesn’t score enough for a player of his natural ability.

He explained that he has always been more interested in entertaining and laying on assists, and went on to suggest that ‘numbers’ don’t always tell the full story.

“When I was little, I liked dribbling and making assists. I watched everyone, especially Xavi and Iniesta, who could make 30-yard passes, or even just five yard passes to put a striker through on goal. That’s why I’m not selfish.

“My favourites have always been Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, all those who were capable of making incredible plays or passes. That’s how I see myself, I bring something different.

“Football is just numbers now. Of course numbers are important, but they don’t account for talent. Guys who can’t make a pass, but score 30 goals are put on a level above everyone else, even above the guys who bring something a bit different. Football is about putting on a show and winning, though, that’s why they come to watch us.”

Leao went on to explain why he’s better suited to playing on the wing, rather than through central positions.

“I want to score more goals, that’s clear. I’ll try to do both, the plays and the goals. On the pitch, I can adapt. I can play close to the striker, but now, with more tactical football, the teams move back and occupy the central area a lot. I haven’t played with my back to goal too much in recent years, I need space to see the whole pitch. I don’t see myself playing centre-forward any time soon.”

Leao on Fonseca, Morata, Pavlovic and Camarda

Leao believes that Milan are already adapting to new coach Fonseca’s coaching methods and style of play.

“He’s a really direct person. He immediately shows what he wants. His teams have always played good football and for the attackers, he’s top. I feel good with him and his staff are always happy. The training sessions are very intense, always on the ball. In my opinion, we have already understood his playing ideas, it will be great.”

When asked what Fonseca has instructed him to do on the pitch, he replied:  “He asks me to stay wide, look for the ball, do one-twos, get close to the area.”

Leao also thinks that Alvaro Morata is an ideal replacement for the recently-departed Olivier Giroud.

“Morata and Giroud are two champions. One in, one out. Giroud made history for Milan, but I know Morata well, too. He’s a striker who works hard and is very mobile, it will be great for us attackers. Let’s hope he scores a lot of goals too.”

Leao is also on hand to lend any advice to teenage sensation Camarda.

“He is still young, but he’s doing really well. I expect a lot from him. I always try to talk to him, make him understand that playing in the first team is different to playing with guys your own age. He has to be strong, combative.

“He already knows how to score goals, he has to learn other things, but he will be the future of Milan. Us older guys are behind him, myself included.

“I’ve been here for six years now, and that’s how I am. I always try to help the younger players. When I arrived in Milan, the more experienced guys gave me a hand, now it’s up to us.”

What does Leao make of new rossoneri centre-back Pavlovic?

“He’s strong, mean, good with the ball, he’s physical. I have to say that I really like the players who have been brought in by Milan this summer.”

Leao: ‘I can become one of the best players in the world’

The Rossoneri forward was full of confidence when asked what he makes of his critics.

He said: “Sometimes people don’t understand certain things about football, but that doesn’t bother me. The only criticism I hear is from my coach, the managers, and those at Milan. They love me here, they know what level I can get to, and I know it too. I can be one of the best, not just at Milan, but in the world.