Rafael Leao admits he is ‘not the perfect player’ and has ‘nothing against’ Milan coach Paulo Fonseca, but still ‘does not agree’ with some criticism of his work ethic.
The forward is currently on international duty with Portugal and his confidence was significantly boosted by his performance at the Estadio Bernabeu, where Milan beat Real Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League.
Nonetheless, he was still accused by Sky Sport Italia pundit and former Rossoneri defender Alessandro ‘Billy’ Costacurta of only putting the effort in during the big games and having a poor work ethic, meaning he was not in the world’s top 100 players.
“Clearly I do not agree with that,” responded Leao to reporters in the Portugal camp.
“I have been having a great season at Milan but, like everyone else, there are ups and downs. The campaign has only just started. Look, I know that I am not the perfect player and sometimes I can do much better.
“I am not shaken by this criticism, I have people who help me to improve and those are the ones I have to listen to. This criticism just spurs me on to respond on the pitch.”
Rafael Leao on rapport with Fonseca at Milan
Fonseca took a stand by dropping Leao to the Milan bench for three consecutive Serie A matches, while he is almost always substituted when he does start.
However, the star man tried to shrug off suggestions of a feud at the Milanello training ground.
“These things happen during the season, I have nothing against him and he has nothing against me. It’s all settled. I don’t like being on the bench, obviously, but he makes the decisions and I as a player have to respect the coach.
“When I step onto the pitch, I have to do my best to help the team.”
Leao has scored three goals and provided five assists in 14 games for Milan so far this season between Serie A and the Champions League.