Rafael Leao has lifted the lid on life at AC Milan, revealing how Zlatan Ibrahimovic's intense demands shaped him and why he locks himself away before facing Inter in the derby.
The Portuguese star shared some brilliant stories in a recent CBS Sports interview. One tale perfectly captures Ibra's mentality. Youth players joined a training session and ended up on Zlatan's team for a practice match. They lost. Ibrahimovic immediately went to the coach and declared it was the last time those kids would train with the first team. And it was.
"It's good pressure, even if he's demanding, maybe too much," Leao admitted. "When these guys talk to you, it's because they care about you. In my head, it was good pressure."
The relationship clearly worked. Leao and Ibrahimovic won the Serie A title together in 2021-22, with Leao claiming the league's MVP award. He didn't even expect it at first, learning about the honor just ten minutes before the official announcement.
New Position, New Numbers
Under Massimiliano Allegri this season, Leao has switched from the wing to center-forward. The move makes sense for bettors watching Milan's goal markets. Leao playing centrally means more scoring chances for one of their most dangerous players.
"When you play as a striker, you have more chances to score goals," Leao explained. "Football now is about numbers. If you want to be with the best players, it's about the numbers."
He's adapted quickly to the role, though injuries have prevented him from building chemistry with Christian Pulisic. The American has impressed Leao massively. "When he plays and I'm on the pitch, I'm like: 'Yeah, Christian will do something,'" he said.
Derby Week Lockdown
The Milan derby brings out something special in Leao. His preparation? Stay inside. Don't go out. Avoid the madness.
"It's a crazy week. Everyone tries to get tickets, you see red, blue, people, and newspapers talking," Leao said. "It's just too much in that week, so you've got to stay at home, be focused, save your energy."
He describes the derby as "die or live" and admits he used to watch these matches before joining Milan. Now playing in them, with San Siro singing from start to finish, it's impossible to describe the atmosphere.
Milan currently sit second, seven points behind Inter ahead of their March 8 derby clash. With Leao now playing as the main striker, the dynamics of this fixture could shift. His ability to lead the line against Inter's defense will be crucial for Milan's title hopes.
Despite criticism about his body language and smiles during matches, Leao won't change. "If I change it, it's not Rafael Leao," he insists. That's the player Milan need, especially when the stakes are highest in the derby.
