Leao on Maldini, Pioli, and not being ‘psychologically weak’ around Ibrahimovic | OneFootball

Rafael Leao reveals how Paolo Maldini convinced him to prefer Milan to Inter, the rapport with Stefano Pioli, and why Zlatan Ibrahimovic ‘can influence you if you are psychologically weak.’

The Portugal international arrived from Lille in 2019 and it looks as if he has already played his final game for the club, as both parties seem eager to engineer a sale this summer.

Speaking to Sport TV in his homeland ahead of the World Cup, he looked back at those first negotiations.

Leao on his Milan origin story

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“There had been interest from Inter first, and Luis Campos said he was thinking of selling me, whereas I would’ve preferred to stay for another year,” explained Leao.

“A few days later, he said Milan had come forward with a proposal worth €25m. He said that someone wanted to speak to me, he handed me the phone, and it was Maldini.

“Paolo Maldini wanted to talk to me. I couldn’t say no! I felt a really good energy from him.”

MILAN, ITALY – JUNE 04: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates with team mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic after scoring their sides second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on June 04, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Leao was teammates with Ibrahimovic first at Milan, then after retirement the Swede became a Special Advisor for RedBird and patron Gerry Cardinale.

“Zlatan is a good person, but if you are psychologically weak, he can influence you,” confessed the player.

“His approach can at times seem negative. If you are someone who feels attacked by the way he speaks to you, then you will be in trouble. He is not the kind of guy who gives you a pat on the back, not even in training.

“On a personal level, he has been very important for me, both on and off the field. He’s an idol. Just having Ibrahimovic in the squad managed to intimidate the opponents.

“As for me, I can be a bit distracted at times, but he always kept me alert in every minute of the game.”

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)

It was during that season that they won the Scudetto together under coach Pioli, who got the very best out of Leao.

“We worked together for many years and from the second season he started to understand me better as a person, giving me that freedom to express my talent.

“He really prepared the team so well that I was free to quite simply play football. He is someone who taught me so much in my career, because he helped me to win my first title,” concluded Leao.