Rafael Leao: I keep Pioli and Zlatan close to me every day

joined

from Lille in 2019 in a deal worth €29.5m. At first he failed to meet expectations but last season he votes as the best player in Serie A.

The Portuguese forward in an interview with Outpump magazine has talked about his situation when he joined Milan.

“The first two years at Milan were difficult, I came from France, where everything was smaller and life was very different.

“When you arrive at Milan you know that you have to be a winner, that many legends have worn the same shirt as you, winning so many trophies.

“You feel it and you live it immediately. After a transition process I became a different person and a different player.”

Leao also has talked about his relationship with

and how the Swedish star has helped him.

“In this period my family, coach Pioli and Ibra, who I keep close to me every day, have been fundamental.

“Zlatan is an example, he taught me the importance of asking, of always staying focused, even off the pitch. We talk whenever we can, not as professionals or colleagues, but as men.”

The 23-year-old Leao has scored 30 goals in 123 matches for Milan including three goals this season.

“Now I want to take advantage of all the opportunities on the horizon, I want to be a hero and deserve my place in the starting eleven of the Portuguese national team.

“If then there is a chance to win, well, it will be very nice.”

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