Rafael Leão: ‘I tried to convince Cancelo to sign for Milan’

Rafael Leão, Milan forward and an unmistakable name in the national team, spoke with Fabrizioano, a journalist and transfer market specialist. When asked about dribbling and shooting technique, Leão clarified that such skills were acquired in ‘street football’ during his childhood. ‘I also learned by watching my idol, Ronaldinho. I repeated the moves insistently. I realized my talent at 16, while still at Sporting. Right now, I’m trying to improve my finishing, I need to score more to be at the top,’ he explained.

It was in Alcochete that Rafael Leão expanded his range of abilities, recognizing that his development was enhanced at 18, thanks to positional training.

About his time in Milan, where he arrived in the summer of 2019, the forward had praises for the fans, despite facing moments of criticism this season. ‘The first impression I gave was maybe too good. I felt a lot of support from the fans and knew the team had many quality players. So, I focused on learning from them and waiting for the opportunity,’ he recalled.

For Rafael Leão, Milan is obligated to replicate seasons of titles, both in Serie A and the Champions League, in order to live up to its history. Therefore, he reiterated the required mentality levels. ‘Ibrahimovic impressed me with his mentality and details. For example, in training, he helped me focus on the moment to shoot and to be mentally resilient. He always told me that if I stayed calm and focused, I would be decisive on the field. He never stopped motivating me. Having a teammate like that makes you more comfortable,’ he described.

Also known for venturing into the music industry, Leão assured that this passion does not distract him from football. ‘Sometimes I can’t be well on the field, so I write and make music about it. It’s a hobby, but also a place I turn to, my world,’ he concluded.

A month away from the Euros in Germany, and a week before the announcement of the national team squad, Rafael Leão is expected to be among Roberto Martínez’s 26 chosen ones. Therefore, he took the opportunity to recall the day he tried to sign João Cancelo.

‘During a national team training camp, I was talking to João Cancelo – who played for Inter – and tried to convince him to sign for Milan. But, he told me it would be difficult. He was at Man. City that year. Still, he really likes Milan. I think Cancelo would fit in perfectly because we are a young and talented squad,’ he revealed.

Trained at Sporting, Rafael Leão moved to Lille in the summer of 2018. A year later, he signed with Milan, where he is in his fifth season. Although this season has been intermittent, the 24-year-old Portuguese forward has scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists in 45 matches, nearing his best career record (16 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches).