This precious advice given by Stefano Pioli to Rafael Leao to reach the level of Kylian Mbappé
The Milan derby, in the semi-finals of the Italian Cup, did not allow Rafael Leaõ to shine as he has done so well since the start of the season.
While in his third season on Milanese soil, the Portuguese international is on fire! Indeed, the number 17 of the Rossoneri has found the net 11 times in 30 games, delivering six assists in passing. It’s almost as much as his first two seasons combined…
“If you want to reach the level of Mbappé and Ronaldo, you have to make the difference in every game, otherwise you are an ordinary player”.
Most recently, he gave a long interview to DAZN in which he spoke of his trainer’s role in his “metamorphosis”.
“Despite the difficulties, Andrea Pioli made me play, and kept me as a starter. It’s thanks to him that I became the current player. He gave me the right mentality because he’s someone who pushed me to always believe in myself”. The former Lille revealed one of the many tips that distilled him. “He said to me: ‘You have talent, but you lack a bit of a winning mentality. If you want to reach the level of Mbappé and Ronaldo, you have to make the difference in every game, otherwise you are a player. banal'”.
Whoever wants to become a more prolific goalscorer has also admitted to taking inspiration from Paris-Sain-Germain’s number 7.
Under contract until 2024, the 22-year-old striker announces that he wants to extend until 2026. “I’m happy to be at AC Milan and I want to make history here. I really enjoy my life with this club for three years. My lawyers are already in direct contact with the club for an extension”.
Young and promising, Leao knows how to charm the tifosi of his club.