AC MILAN
AC Milan: Who were Rafael Leão’s idols growing up?
The Milan forward discussed his idols and coming through at Sporting CP.
Rafael Leão has been a key figure in AC Milan’s Champions League run this season. One of the Rossoneri’s most dangerous attacking weapons this season, he missed last week’s first leg against Inter, but he will feature in the Champions League semi-final at San Siro on Tuesday.
The Portuguese attacker sat down for an interview with football and fashion media outlet Gaffer.
Which players did you idolise growing up and who did you try to replicate within your game?
“100%, Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. They’re players that I followed and tried to copy when I was growing up. I learned how to do the things I do today, dribbling…by watching Youtube videos of them. They’re both big idols of mine and I’d love to have a career similar to theirs,” the 23-year-old said.
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Coming through at Sporting CP
The Milan man then spoke about coming through the Sporting CP academy in Portugal.
“Sporting is one of the best academies in the world, if not the best, since it’s trained two Ballon d’Or winners, he added.
“It’s an honour that fills me with great pride to have come through the ranks there, they opened the doors for me to the footballing world and I’m very grateful for them. It’s definitely a club that I will remember and take with me forever.”
Leão will be hoping to make an impact at San Siro tonight as the Rossoneri look to come back from two goals down against fierce rivals Inter.