Rafael Leao opens up about favourite Milan game, criticism and future | OneFootball

Rafael Leao claimed in his latest interview that he doesn’t read criticism and still has ‘many goals to achieve.’

Rafael star Leao spoke to Icon Magazine about his life and career at Milan, where he arrived in the summer of 2019.

“When I arrived, I was 20, and I felt like a kid. Now, I’ve become a man,” he said via Calciomercato.com.

“The club and the staff have helped me grow. Day by day, season after season, they have taught me a lot. I have to thank everyone who’s been by my side during these years at Milan: each one of them was important for my growth.”

Leao has had a lot going on both on and off the pitch. In November, he became the father of two twins, Leonardo and Tiago.

“I’ve learned the value of time and make the most of every moment with my children,” he said.

“When I am feeling down, as soon as I get home and see them, I forget about all the difficulties. They are my strength. Their smile gives me energy. There may be problems, but they give me the motivation to go through everything. They are two beautiful kids, and I hope I can give them a wonderful future.”

Leao reveals favourite Milan game

Milan’s Rafael Leao celebrates after winning the Italian Serie A championship’s title after the Italian Serie A soccer match US Sassuolo vs AC Milan at Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, Italy, 22 May 2022. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

Leao has won one Serie A title during his spell at Milan and the final match of the 2021-22 campaign remains his favourite outing with the Rossoneri.

“Among the matches with the national team, the one against Ghana at Qatar 2022 was when I made my debut in the World Cup,” he said.

“With Milan, the away game at Sassuolo, the last of the season in May 2022, which gave us the Scudetto.”

Milan have failed to qualify for any European competition, and even if Leao has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 50 games this term, he’s been in the spotlight due to his inconsistency.

“I usually don’t read criticism. If people criticise you, it’s because you are good at what you do and they expect a lot from you,” he said.

“Either way, I don’t feel the pressure because I love football. It’s the most beautiful thing for me. I was born playing football, and every time I step onto the pitch, I try to make the most of the chances to do what I love the most.

“Of course, it’s also a job, and one I always approach with responsibility, but also with the desire to have fun with my teammates and seize the opportunity,” he continued.

“Dribbling is perhaps the symbol of my peace of mind. People talk, there’s pressure, but when I am on the field, I manage to put all of that aside. It becomes a challenge; my goal is to try to improve.”

Asked about his future, Leao replied: “I still have many goals to achieve, I want to keep having fun and playing at a high level.”

The Portugal international started on the bench in a 3-1 loss against Roma last night and was introduced from the bench in the second half.