Chelsea transfer target Leao admits he is ‘precious’ to Milan
Suraj Radia
- 4 Oct 2022 13:07 CDT
- 3 min read
Rafael Leao believes he is a ‘precious resource’ for Milan amid speculation linking him to Chelsea, after admitting that he initially couldn’t handle the pressure of his move to Italy.
Leao joined Milan for €35 million from Lille in 2019 and the Portuguese international has become a pivotal figure for his side, grabbing four goals and four assists in seven games this season.
Milan are set to face off against Chelsea in the Champions League group stage with the Premier League side reportedly ‘leading the chase’ for Leao but the 23-year-old has admitted his club ‘had no intention’ of letting him leave.
Leao said: “When Milan called, I felt such joy. I was so happy, but also anxious, because from one moment to the next one of the biggest clubs in Europe wanted me.
“I couldn’t say no. But it’s not easy to join a club like that at the age of 19. I felt like I couldn’t handle the pressure, I couldn’t respond positively on the pitch.
“I couldn’t lose this opportunity to prove what I could do and the club had no intention of selling me either. They believed in me.
“That show of faith helped me to grow and improve. Now I feel that I am a precious resource for the team and the club, so I can really help my teammates in matches.”
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Will Chelsea make a move for Leao?
Leao has two years remaining on his contract and Milan are keen to extend his deal, having warned potential suitors that they will not sell him for less than €100m.
Chelsea failed with a late approach for Leao in the summer but speculation has fuelled in recent days that the Blues will return push to sign him next year and they may even use their Champions League clash as an opportunity to negotiate with Milan.
Chelsea are reportedly 'leading the chase' for Rafael Leao...and Graham Potter is a fan 👀https://t.co/dBCdlILSsw
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) October 4, 2022
Speaking ahead of the game between the sides, Chelsea boss Graham Potter refused to comment on the speculation but described Leao as a ‘top player’.
“I’ve been really impressed with him whenever I’ve watched the games,” Potter said. "He’s making a difference to AC Milan and contributes to how they attack and how they score, so congratulations to him for that, he’s a top player.
