The AC Milan player Rafael Leao has disclosed his best friend in the San Siro locker room as well as his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Portugal international says that following a strong performance, Ibrahimovic never came up to him. Still, the former striker gave Leao some insightful tips on ball control and dribbling.
Prior to the Swede’s retirement, the 24-year-old enjoyed a cordial friendship with Ibrahimovic; nevertheless, he also disclosed that Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer is his closest buddy at Milan.
Leao joined Ibrahimovic on the AC Milan squad in 2019 and played a crucial role in the team’s 2021–22 Serie A championship run. In front of AC Milan supporters at San Siro, a distraught Ibrahimovic, 41, declared his retirement from football in June of this year.
Regarding his relationship with Ibrahimovic, Leao stated on the 19F podcast: “He wouldn’t talk to me when I played well. Only when I didn’t play well. He wasn’t interested in dribbling; instead, he focused a lot on the technicalities. Occasionally, he would say to me, “Rafa, you need to keep it under control like this and move it right now toward the goal.” You can’t make mistakes with a touch like that with your talent.”
The footballer said, “(Ismael) Bennacer,” in response to the question of who he thinks is his best friend at San Siro. We have a wonderful bond; he is my brother.”
The attacker’s hamstring injury sustained during Milan’s Serie A match against Lecce has kept him out of play for the time being. Leao was left off of Portugal’s roster for their last Euro 2024 qualifying matches, and it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for his team’s Saturday matchup against Fiorentina.
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