Former football great doesn't spare Rafael Leão: I don't care | OneFootball

Paolo Di Canio once again criticized Rafael Leão at a time when the Portugal international is sidelined from Milan and the national team due to a right adductor injury. The former Italian striker said the Rossoneri get better results without the player.

"Without him, Milan score more goals and are more solid: 21 goals scored in the eight games without Leão, eight wins, two out of two", said the former player, 57, on the sidelines of the Legends Trophy, a padel tournament bringing together former football stars. "I don’t care if he gets angry when he hears these words, he’s not my brother or my cousin, why should I care?", he added.

Di Canio continued his criticism of the forward’s performances. "He scores more while playing less as a striker because in Italy it’s easy, the defenses are not that solid, not that good, and he ends up finding a play. The problem is what you do, what you produce during the game besides your goal".

The Italian also questioned Rafael Leão’s attitude. "If I had a player, even a lazy one, who scored three goals per game for me, maybe I could accept it, but Milan cannot afford that, also in order to build an idea of solidity not only on the pitch, but in attitude too... I have nothing against Leão, quite the opposite, he even annoys me because sometimes I ask myself: 'What is he thinking about? The recording studio?'".

Asked about the future of the former Sporting forward, Di Canio left the decision open. "How should I know? Ask him. But I’m not saying they should sell him, maybe he’ll turn things around and I’ll be the first to admit I was wrong", he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.