AC Milan Star Admits ‘Inter Milan Wanted Me’ But Reveals Why He Chose Rossoneri Move | OneFootball

Rafael Leao has opened up on the transfer decision that shaped his career, admitting that Inter Milan made contact for his signature back in 2019 before he ultimately chose to join AC Milan.

Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, the Portuguese winger revealed that Inter had approached Lille sporting director Luis Campos expressing their interest.

Instead, memories of the great Milan sides of the past, and a childhood idol, played a decisive role in steering him toward the red and black half of the city.

The 26-year-old also spoke passionately about the experience of playing in the Milan derby.

Indeed, describing it as the standout fixture of the Italian football calendar.

And, furthermore, one that consumes the entire city in the days leading up to kick-off.

Milan Star Leao On How He Nearly Joined Inter

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 15: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and AC Milan at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 15, 2023 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

On the derby, Leao said:

“The days before the derby you don’t go out, you stay at home. It’s a really crazy week, everyone wants tickets, everyone talks about that game which is the most beautiful of the season. The derby is a fight, it’s a matter of life or death and I want to live. After the game everyone talks about it for days. Playing the derby is incredible, the fans sing from start to finish.”

On his 2019 transfer decision, he added:

“Inter called Lille sporting director Campos saying they were interested in me. But I wasn’t convinced, even though I respect Inter. In the past I used to hear about the Milan of Maldini, the Champions League and my idol Ronaldinho.

“So I told Lille I would stay another year. We finished second and the year after we would have played the Champions League, but they told me Milan wanted me and that someone wanted to speak with me, it was Paolo Maldini on FaceTime.

“He told me he had been following me throughout the season and asked if I wanted to join Milan. And so I signed for the club.”