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Rafael Leao is convinced that he will do great things under the new AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Leao is heading into another very important season, one in which he will seek to finally become a 20+ goal scorer and to find some consistency in his game that has been lacking at times. From day one of Allegri’s arrival, it has been clear that he wants to work on exactly this.
In fact, a report yesterday named the Portuguese winger as one of the ‘untouchables’ in the eyes of the coach. Now, Leao is gearing up for the campaign in the Far East, while the rumours of PSG and Bayern Munich’s interest seem to have been silenced.
‘Allegri will help us progress’
Leao gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport while in Singapore with the rest of the team. He is expected to start tomorrow’s friendly match against Arsenal, which will hopefully set the tone.
Are you now a leader?
“A leader is someone who helps the team win on the pitch. I want to do that. On the pitch. I’ve been at Milan for a few years. I know the club and the pressure there is here.
“I always try to help new arrivals, to make them understand that you have to give your best at all times because at a big club like Milan, all that matters is winning trophies.”
Do you feel you can take a leap forward?
“In terms of numbers… They’re the ones I’ve been missing so far, to be able to compare myself to those above.”
What has it been like working with Allegri so far?
“The impact with Allegri has been very positive, and I’m happy to have a coach with experience at Milan, someone who has already won here and been a champion. I like the fact that he lets me express my talent freely.
“And he brings experience: he knows how to manage the locker room, he likes young players, and he talks to everyone. He gives a lot to the team, and I’m convinced he can help me have a good season too.
“He talks to me a lot and sometimes shouts on the pitch, but he can give a lot to both me and the others. I have a good feeling.”
Do you feel you have achieved a lot?
“Here at Milan, I’ve already achieved important results; I won the Scudetto. I think I’ve already matured… Every year people ask for more, and I want to do better and better. Allegri will help us progress because he brings new things to training that can help me complete myself.”
What’s the goal for next season?
“For me, playing in this shirt has been a dream since the first day I arrived in Milan. And from day one, I’ve always been asked to win. Every year… Milan deserves to have a good season, and we need to start the season strong to finish in the top four. If the team works well, it’s easier for the individuals.
“The Scudetto? We’re Milan, and I repeat, we need to start winning every game. From the very first. A promise to the fans? We’ll try to give them joy. In every match. We’re aiming to win a trophy.”
Modric will soon join you…
“He has experience, a lot of quality, and he will help the team. I’m very happy because the club made a great investment in him.”
Finally, a thought on Diogo Jota and his brother…
“He was a calm person who cared about his country and his club, and who worked hard on the pitch. His passing was a delicate moment because a few weeks before he was with us, and then what happened happened. Each of us will always carry something of a friend like him within us.
“Winning the World Cup to dedicate it to him? Now I’m thinking about Milan and having a great season with this shirt, then we’ll try to win the World Cup for him and for Cristiano Ronaldo, who would like to leave with a triumph.”
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