Football Italia
·23 June 2026
Leao: ‘Amorim is a very good coach, I will decide on Milan after World Cup’

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFootball Italia
·23 June 2026

Rafael Leao admits the arrival of Ruben Amorim could change his view of leaving Milan after scoring for Portugal. ‘He is a very good coach, I will make a decision after the World Cup.’
The winger has struggled to make his mark on the World Cup so far, as he was left out of the starting XI for both the opening 1-1 draw with RD Congo, and tonight’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
He did manage to get his name on the scoresheet this evening, concluding the rout with a ferocious first-time finish into the roof of the net after a roll across was intercepted.
Following the game, Leao spoke to DAZN Italia and was asked about his feelings, including a rapport with Milan that seems to be at breaking point.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on from the substitutes bench prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I have to celebrate this with my family, because it has been a difficult season for me,” said Leao.
“I had injuries and many other things in the mix, including the way Milan’s season went. I have to thank my family, who helped me through it, and this goal is for them.
“I put in so much work with my personal trainer, my teammates, and I have to thank the coach for having faith in me, because Portugal have so many talented players, so I’m very happy to be here.”

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 23: Rafael Leao #17 of Portugal scores his team’s fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Much has been said about the way that Leao plays and his refusal to track back or help, but he hits back at criticism.
“I have to do this for myself, not for anyone else. I work for myself, my teammates and my coach. I’m happy that I was able to help my team, to have minutes on the pitch, it was important.”
Eventually, DAZN Italia asked about his future, seeing as Leao had said at the end of the season that his time with Milan was coming to a natural conclusion.
That was when Max Allegri was still at the helm, but now that he has been replaced by Portuguese boss Amorim, will that change his evaluation?
“At this moment, I need to stay focused on the World Cup. What I do know is that this is a very good coach, he did well in Portugal, it didn’t go the way he wanted at Manchester United, but he remains a great coach.
“I will make a decision after the World Cup.”
It was no secret that Leao was at loggerheads with Allegri, furious that he was used out of position as a centre-forward, then clashing with the coach following early substitutions.







































