Rafael Leão has spoken to MilanTV after renewing his contract with the Purple and Black membership till 2028.

Yesterday it grew to become official that Leão, Milan’s greatest participant within the final couple of seasons, has put pen to paper and prolonged his contract with the Rossoneri till 2028, getting a big (and deserved) enhance in his pay as nicely.

“I’m so joyful; extending my contract is what I needed,” the 23-year-old informed MilanTV. “I informed the Membership and my teammates that my objective was to remain right here. Ultimately we managed to succeed in an settlement for me to proceed right here.”

You arrived at Milan 4 years in the past…
“Milano is my dwelling; the day I arrived, everybody welcomed me with open arms. Everybody supported me in the course of the troublesome instances. Right here I can enhance every day; I really feel at dwelling. Due to the religion in me, I can attain the highest and win trophies right here.”

How are you doing?
“Everyone at Milan is sort of a household to me, they’re serving to me large time in doing what I’m doing on the pitch. This permits me to be an essential participant for the workforce. That’s what I had been on the lookout for earlier than I joined Milan.”

And now…
“My numbers have been fairly low in my first two seasons right here. I could have left one or two gamers trailing however I didn’t rating after I obtained sight of objective… However lately I’m a distinct participant, extra accountable and conscious of after I must cross and when to shoot. I’ve turn out to be much more environment friendly as nicely, due to the best way I’m coaching and my coach’s assist. At a sure level it dawned on Pioli the way to elevate my stage and what I wanted to do to make the distinction. Off the pitch he offers me suggestions each single day.”



What are your goals?
“My objective is to win as many competitions as attainable right here. I need to relive these feelings of once we gained the Scudetto, that’s after I realized the scale of this Membership. It’s huge.”

How are you feeling in Italy?
“Milano is much like Portugal in that the meals is good, the climate and for purchasing it’s additionally nice. For younger individuals this metropolis is wonderful. My first season right here wasn’t nice, it took me a while to settle. However residing right here has all the time been enjoyable, Italian is much like Portuguese. Some phrases are simply comprehensible, this can be a metropolis I see myself residing in for a few years.”

And now the renewal…
“I need to thank the Membership for his or her laborious work to make sure one of the best gamers keep right here. Final 12 months we confirmed everyone that this mix of youthful and older gamers could make a robust workforce. I’m delighted that I can proceed taking part in with them.”

Who do you get on with out of your teammates?
“All of them, clearly… even when Ibra is like an older brother. He has a wealth of expertise having performed in so many video games which is essential for us youthful gamers. He’s taught me by no means to surrender and even upon our return to the dressing room at half-time, he’s urging me to maintain scoring even when I’ve already netted one. Earlier than an essential sport he tells me to point out everyone who I’m and what I’m able to doing. He’s been extremely essential for my improvement as a footballer.”

Do you’ve gotten a message to the followers?
“I keep in mind once we had that bus parade right here. Seeing the Piazza del Duomo lined in crimson and black was the spotlight of my footballing profession. I had by no means skilled something prefer it. I’d prefer to thank everybody; I used to be younger after I joined Milan [in 2019] however I used to be already conscious of the stature of this membership. However solely after carrying the shirt at San Siro in entrance of our followers, you discover that it isn’t straightforward. Within the 4 years I’ve been right here, I’ve obtained used to the followers. This shirt weighs so much. I’m proud and may’t wait to proceed writing my story right here. I’d prefer to thank everybody for his or her persistence in supporting me and the workforce. I really feel at dwelling right here; after I go to eating places, individuals greet me with a smile and this leaves me speechless. Thanks to everyone! I need to carry on scoring and creating numerous objectives to showcase my expertise.”