Rafael Leao opens up on AC Milan future: “I’ve already achieved what I wanted here”

Rafael Leao has spoken once again. The AC Milan number 10, who turns 27 today, gave a new interview to RTP, Portugal’s national public broadcasting service, following his recent appearances on Fred Buckley’s podcast and SportTV.

The interview, recorded at San Siro and broadcast on Sunday evening, was officially released in video format on Monday morning by the Portuguese outlet.

Rafael Leao speaks about his AC Milan future

Journalist: Rafael Leao has been playing in Italy for seven years now. Do you want to stay here or are you already thinking about new horizons?

Leao:
“I’ve already achieved what I wanted to achieve at AC Milan. In football you can never say never, because you never know what the future holds, but if I eventually leave, I’ll leave very happy and satisfied for having helped bring the club back to where it deserves to be.”

The Portuguese star’s words will inevitably fuel speculation regarding his long-term future at San Siro, especially after several months of transfer rumours involving top European clubs.

Leao reflects on Sporting CP and his early career

Leao also looked back on his formative years at Sporting CP and the turning point that shaped his career.

Leao:
“Every kid who dreams of playing football wants to reach the highest level. If I hadn’t gone through that turning point in my career, maybe I wouldn’t be the player I am today.

Maybe I would have needed more time to adapt to a big club. The dream of every child who spends so many years at a club like Sporting is to build a successful career and win trophies. What I missed there was winning something important with Sporting.”

“Jorge Jesus was the best coach I ever had after Pioli”

During the interview, Leao was also asked about the coaches who influenced him the most throughout his career.

Journalist: Which coach marked you the most? Or which one would you have liked to work with longer?

Leao:
“I would have liked to work longer with Jorge Jesus.”

Journalist: Why?

Leao:
“He was a coach who truly believed in me. I think he was the best coach I ever had. After Stefano Pioli.”

The AC Milan winger also spoke emotionally about San Siro and his journey from the streets of Lisbon to one of football’s most iconic stadiums.

Leao:
“That moment was very important for me and my family. It showed once again that a Portuguese player can make the difference.”

Leao on Cristiano Ronaldo and the dream of winning the World Cup

The conversation naturally moved toward Portugal and the upcoming World Cup.

Leao:
“Winning the World Cup is the ultimate dream for every footballer. There’s nothing bigger than winning a competition like that.”

Leao also described Cristiano Ronaldo as his lifelong idol.

Leao:
“He’s an idol and he always will be. He’ll be an idol even for my children. He’s also my brother’s idol.”

Music, happiness and Leao’s personality off the pitch

Beyond football, Leao discussed his passion for music and the importance of self-expression.

Leao:
“Music is a way for me to express myself and also inspire people who have ambitions and dreams, people who want to achieve great things without ever giving up.”

Asked to describe himself today, the AC Milan forward gave a simple but revealing answer.

Leao:
“I try to enjoy life and play with my children.”

And finally, when asked how he sees himself heading into the World Cup with Portugal:

Leao:
“Smiling, close to my friends, giving advice. And happy.”