Rafael Leão praises Corinthians, thanks welcome, eyes Brazil move | OneFootball

Portuguese forward Rafael Leão, a standout for Milan and the Portugal national team, once again showed his affection for Brazil during an appearance on the PodPah podcast. In an interview released this week, the player revealed that he does not rule out playing in Brazilian football in the future, praised Corinthians’ facilities after using the Dr. Joaquim Grava Training Center during his vacation, and thanked the club for the welcome.

While preparing to return for Milan’s preseason, Rafael Leão used Corinthians’ facilities to stay in shape. According to the forward, the training period at the CT was important for arriving in good condition for the start of the European season.

Photo: Marco Luzzani

During the conversation, the Portuguese player made a point of highlighting the quality of the facilities offered by the black-and-white club and the way he was treated by the staff.

“(The facilities are) top. Everyone there made me feel comfortable. I really liked Corinthians, the people there were really cool with me, the facilities were very good, because I’m training to go back for preseason. I also informed Milan so it wouldn’t create any friction. Corinthians, thank you very much, and we’re together. And you never know, you never know the future. First of all, I want to thank them for opening the doors for me to train.”

Throughout the interview, Rafael Leão was also asked about the future of his career. The forward confirmed that he has already spoken with Milan about the possibility of trying a new experience, but stressed that he remains committed to the Italian club as long as he is under contract.

“I had already spoken with the club about the possibility of trying a new experience. I don’t know if it will happen, right? On the 29th I have to report there. As long as I’m there, I’ll give my maximum, always respecting the shirt that gave me everything.

I think it’s a club that helped me a lot in every aspect, but in life we have ambitions for other things. And if something happens in that sense, I’ll study the options. But I’m still a Milan player.”

Asked whether he would accept playing in Brazilian football at some point in his career, the forward answered positively and said that he strongly identifies with the country.

“One day, yes, maybe, because I identify a lot with the culture, with the people, with the weather. Not in São Paulo… (because it’s cold). And in Rio there’s only one… In Rio there’s only one.”

In a relaxed tone, the player also joked when prompted by the hosts about wearing the Corinthians shirt.

“Yeah… I’m going to Corinthians.”

Despite the joke, the forward once again thanked Timão for the opportunity to use the Dr. Joaquim Grava Training Center during his vacation, reinforcing that the future is still open.

Rafael Leão is under contract with Milan until June 2028 and will rejoin the Italian club in the coming days for the start of preseason. In recent months, the Portuguese player has been linked with different European markets and admitted that he is considering new challenges for the next stage of his career, without ruling out any possibility for the future.

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