Rafael Leão spoke at a press conference ahead of the match between Portugal and Poland, scheduled for Friday. The Milan player took stock of the first part of the season and also spoke about his relationship with Paulo Fonseca.
Costacurta’s criticisms: “You say I only show quality for 18 seconds? Clearly I don’t agree. I’m having great seasons at Milan and this hasn’t started yet. I’m not the perfect player, there are moments when I can do much better and I’m very self-critical. These criticisms don’t shake me, there are people in Milan and in the national team who help me grow. But on the one hand they help me, they motivate me to grow on the pitch.”
First assessment: “I always look ahead. I’m happy with what I did in the matches, especially in the last 2. I don’t think about the previous matches, I think about the next one like the ones we will play with the national team. Overall it’s going well but it could go better, I want to do great things with Milan and with the national team.”
First striker: “It’s a role I know. I have no problems playing in that position. I’m here to help, regardless of the role, be it winger or striker.”
The changes in Sporting: “As a Sporting fan I always wish the club the best. I send my best wishes to Rúben Amorim. As for João Pereira, I don’t know him well as a coach, only as a player. If Sporting has made this choice it’s because the coach has above-average qualities to continue bringing titles to Sporting.”
National team escape route: “Regardless of whether I play well or badly, I really like being at Milan. I try to give my best. I don’t think the national team is an escape route, I feel a lot of trust on both sides. When things don’t Critics are fine, but thinking about it too much isn’t good on a psychological level. I’ve been at Milan for five years and I’ve gotten used to the pressure.”
Relationship with Fonseca: “These things happen. I have nothing against the coach, it’s a resolved issue. I don’t like being on the bench, I always like to help the team but the coach has to make the decisions. I always give the maximum to help my team.”
Aspects to improve: “I have to be more selfish in front of goal. I grew up watching players like Ronaldinho and Robinho, who didn’t have that instinct for goal. Since I was a child my goal was to dribble past my opponents, make assists, make good passes. I’ve never I had an obsession with goals. Today I’m 25 and football has completely changed, it’s more a question of statistics: you have to score goals and assists, because if you play a great match and don’t score goals or assists, they’ll say it was a bad match. average.”