Rafael Leao has distanced himself from rumors linking him with a potential move to Chelsea in the summer, affirming his commitment to AC Milan and expressing his belief that his future lies with the Italian club.
The 24-year-old winger, widely recognized as one of the most promising attacking talents in global football, has contributed four goals and seven assists for the Rossoneri in Serie A this season.
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Having spent five years at the San Siro, Leao has fully embraced life in Milan since his transfer from Lille in 2019, impressing with his performances in Italy.
His displays have attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
However, Leao is under contract with Milan until 2028, with reports indicating last month that the Portugal international has a staggering €175m (£150m) release clause, which any potential suitors would need to pay in full to facilitate a transfer.
Despite Milan currently trailing bitter rivals Inter Milan by 13 points in Serie A, a departure from the club doesn’t seem to be an option for Leao at the moment.
‘It’s my home. I like everything. Shopping, fashion and even the weather because it’s similar to Portugal,’ Leao told Italian publication Il Corriere della Sera.
‘If you think it’s cold, try to go to Lille! And then food, I like everything about Italian cuisine. Pasta, risotto, fish…
‘My future is at Milan, I am here and I have four years left [on my contract]. ‘Milan helped me when I was in a very difficult situation and they supported me. I won’t forget. I am loyal.
‘I was a kid when I arrived and I’ve grown up as a man and as a footballer. I want to win again, my head is here.’
Leao, a product of Sporting’s youth academy, emphasizes that his drive stems from the ‘magic and joy’ of the game rather than mere statistics.
‘I love great goals, of course I’d like to score more, but I also make assists, I am a complete player,’ he added.
‘Today’s football is only about stats and I don’t like it. Football is magic and joy. People who only think about numbers make me angry.
‘People must be entertained so that I can have fun too. I am a fan of aesthetics and beauty. In football, fashion, music and love.
‘Critics always motivate me. Sometimes I get angry, but only if it’s not constructive,’ he continued.
‘I am sorry when they are done just to taunt me. Sometimes I ask myself, “Does this guy knows anything about football?”, and these things make me stronger anyway, I know where I can get.’
