AC Milan star Rafael Leao aims to reach his ‘IDOL’ Cristiano Ronaldo’s levels, expresses gratitude to club

Rafael Leao opens up on what he needs to do to reach his idol Ronaldo's level.

AC Milan star Rafael Leao aims to reach his ‘IDOL’ Cristiano Ronaldo’s levels, expresses gratitude to club

Rafael Leao and Cristiano Ronaldo. (Source: Serie A)

Portugal and AC Milan star Rafael Leao has talked about the player he idolizes and the difference between his outlook towards the game. He has spoken of his eagerness to reach the elite level of players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland. But he has reiterated that his country’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is his ‘idol’.

The 24-year-old underlined how he would have to become more ‘selfish’ in his approach as a player. Evolving into one of the best players in the world, Leao has been a team player and would need to become more clinical to add a new dimension to his game and increase his goal contributions.

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My idol? Cristiano Ronaldo. I can get to his levels, but I'm not a selfish player. I can score goals, but if I have a partner I'll pass it on to him. Numbers make the difference. Mbappé, Ronaldo, and Haaland are at a high level, the numbers speak for them. If I become selfish I will reach those levels.
Leao said as reported by Di Marzio

Already a significant figure at San Siro, he has expressed his willingness to contribute to the team with more goals and assists. He has been impressed by Ronaldo’s game and adapting his match to his moves. Furthermore, he even thanked his current employers AC Milan, for providing such an ‘elite’ platform for him to grow in.

AC Milan helped me to reach best level, it’s a joy for me to play for this club — I hope to become captain one day.

Talking to Sky Sport Italia, Leao confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo was his idol growing up and has been thankful to his club for providing him with opportunities to express himself and perform. His ambitions reflect his young talent’s fire to prove himself and rise through the ranks into one of the most entertaining players in the world.

Rafael Leao opens up on his emotional experience captaining AC Milan

AC Milan star Rafael Leao shared insights into his experience as captain of the Rossoneri, expressing his emotional response to leading the team. In an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Leao discussed his passions for football and music, highlighting how singing became a recent interest during quarantine. The Portuguese forward emphasized his pride in playing for Milan, considering it the most significant club globally.

Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao wearing captain’s armband while in action for AC Milan. (Source: Rossoneri Blog)

Leao, satisfied with his journey from Sporting CP to Lille and then Milan, revealed the emotional impact of captaining the team. Despite the armband, he stressed leadership beyond symbols, committing to setting an example and aiding younger players like Jan-Carlo Simic. Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, Leao expressed happiness in being a leader, admiring world-class players like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé.

Meanwhile, Leao is sure Milan will succeed. He revealed his dream team, including Maignan, Cancelo, Hernandez, Silva, Dias, Bellingham, De Bruyne, Modric, Vinicius, and Mbappé. In his interview, he talks about his varied interests, leadership style, and goals for AC Milan’s success.

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