Rafael Leao feels he can reach the levels of Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappé and includes himself in an ‘ideal💰 XI’ even though some players of the same age are ‘at a higher level.’
The Portuguese star released an interview with💰 Sky Sport Italia ahead of Milan‘s first game of the year against Cagliari in Coppa Italia.
Leao, 24, started by explaining💰 how his career as a professional footballer began and how he faced the first few problems as a player.
“Both things💰 happened at Sporting. I was doing well. I was training with the first team, but the coach, Jorge Jesus, didn’t💰 like to work with young players, so I thought it would have been difficult to have a breakthrough,” he said.
“I💰 was training well and I was called up for a game against Porto. I went on the bench and it💰 was thrilling just to sit there with the senior players. A striker got injured at some point, so the coach💰 told me to get in. I was not ready, but at the same time, I was not nervous. I thought💰 ‘now or never’. We lost but I scored a goal, and that’s when I thought I could do something important.”
Leao💰 then joined Lille in France. He had a tough time initially, spending five months on the bench and living alone💰 abroad for the first time ever. However, despite a tricky start, he slowly emerged.
Read more – Rafael Leao opens up💰 about his Milan future, 2024 targets and relationship with Pioli
“If I had remained in Portugal, I wouldn’t be the player💰 I am today,” he admitted.
Now he is seen as a leader at Milan and is helping young players develop. Leao💰 has recently delivered the assist for Jan-Carlo’s Simic’s first Serie A goal.
“It was an incredible feeling like I had scored💰 the first goal,” said the Portuguese striker.
“Simic is a good guy and he listens to advice. Other young players like💰 Camarda who train with us, must make the most of their chances. It’s not easy but they can have an💰 opportunity today or tomorrow.
“Knowing that my teammates expect a lot from me makes me proud and motivates me to give💰 my best.”
Does any of his idols wear the No.10?
“No, because my idol is Ronaldo, who has the No.7,” he replied.
Can💰 he reach the same level as CR7 and the other top players like Messi and Mbappé?
“Yes, but I am not💰 selfish. I can score goals and provide assists. At this level, numbers make the difference and players like Messi, Haaland💰 and Mbappé have the numbers speaking for themselves. When I will have the same mindset, I’ll reach the same level,”💰 Leao admitted.
Would he include himself in a Top XI with the best players in the world currently?
“Yes, because I am💰 doing well, and I can stay there even if other players of my age are at a higher level.
“When I💰 arrived at Milan, nobody was talking about me, and now I am an idol; that’s why I thank them. They’ve💰 put pressure on me, but it’s always been positive. Without the fans, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”
So,💰 what does his ideal XI look like?
“It’s a 4-3-3 with Maignan in goal, Cancelo as a right-back, Theo on the💰 left, Thiago Silva as a centre-back with, Van Dijk. Actually no, Ruben Dias. Bellingham, De Bruyne and Modric in midfield.💰 In attack, Leao on the left, Vinicius on the right and Mbappé as a centre forward.”
