NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Rafael Leao has distanced himself from speculation of a possible move to Chelsea this summer, insisting he is contemplating his long career with AC Milan and that he is committed to his contract with the club.
The 24-year-old winger, considered one of the most interesting attackers in world football, has racked up four goals and seven assists for the Rossoneri in Serie A this season.
Enjoying his fifth year at San Siro, Leao has settled in well and indeed in Milan following his move from Lille in 2019 and his performances in Italy have caught the eye of some of Europe’s elite teams, including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Chelsea.
However, Leao is tied to a deal with Milan until 2028 and reports last month reported that the Portuguese foreigner had a mouthwatering €175 million (£150m) release clause, which would have to be paid in full through potential suitors to force a decision.
But it turns out that an imaginable exit from Milan isn’t even an option for Leao at the moment, although the seven-time European champions are thirteen numbers behind bitter rivals Inter Milan in the most sensible Italian standings of late.
“This is my home. I love it all. The shopping, the fashion and even the weather because it’s similar in Portugal,” Leao told Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera.
“If you think it’s cold, try going to Lille!And then the food, I love everything about Italian food. Pasta, risotto, fish. . .
“My long career is in Milan, I’m here and I have 4 years left [on my contract].
“Milan helped me when I was in a very difficult situation and supported me. I probably won’t forget it. I’m faithful.
“I was a kid when I arrived and I grew up as a kid and a footballer. I need to win again, my head is here.
Leao, who rose through the ranks of Sporting’s academy as a youngster, says he is driven more by the “magic and joy” of the game than by statistics.
“I like goals, of course I’d like to score more, but I also provide assists, I’m a complete player,” he added.
“Football is about statistics and I don’t like that. Football is magic and joy. People who only think in numbers make me angry.
“People want to be entertained so I can laugh too. I’m a fan of aesthetics and beauty. Football, fashion, music and love.
“I’m motivated by criticism. Sometimes I get angry, but only if they’re not constructive,” she continued.
“I’m sorry when they broke up just to make fun of me. Sometimes I ask myself, “Does this guy know about football?And those things make me more powerful anyway, I know where I can go. “
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