Modric hails Leao as ‘one of the best in the world, and he can still improve’

Rafael Leao feels the ‘team emerged’ after breaking the deadlock to turn Fiorentina around, but Luka Modric warns his AC Milan teammate ‘is one of the best in the world and can still improve.’

The Portugal international has been struggling since a calf strain in early August and this was therefore his first Serie A start of the season, playing in an unusual centre-forward role.

Robin Gosens had put the Viola in front at San Siro, but Leao drilled into the far bottom corner from distance and then converted the decisive penalty after a VAR review for Fabiano Parisi’s tug on Santiago Gimenez.

It was remarkably the first penalty Leao had ever taken in the Milan jersey, not having a particularly good record from the spot.

“We knew this was a difficult match, even though Fiorentina are having a tough time, as they have quality players like Moise Kean who can hurt us,” Leao told DAZN Italia.

“We worked as a team, it was difficult and we didn’t create many chances, but once we broke the deadlock, the team emerged.

“When Modric arrived at Milanello, he gave me a hug and said he wanted to help me. It is great playing alongside him and I hope he can give me many assists!”

There was a curious moment when celebrating the penalty, as Leao tried to take his shirt off and was prevented from doing so by Matteo Gabbia, who rescued him from a yellow card.

“I dedicate this goal to my family, my teammates who helped me and kept me in a good mood in the locker room. We must continue like this, collectively and individually, as we can do great things this season,” added Leao.

The victory has put Milan top of the Serie A table on 16 points, taking advantage of defeats this weekend for Napoli, Roma and Juventus.

It is particularly remarkable considering the epic injury crisis that has ruled out Adrien Rabiot, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari.

“Rafa is really amazing. I was looking forward to playing with him, unfortunately he got injured quickly, but now he’s getting back to fitness. This is the Rafa that we need,” Modric told DAZN Italia.

“He’s an amazing talent, from outside when I used to watch him and now when I train with him, I see he is one of the best players in the world. The incredible thing is that he can still improve, it just depends on him. I hope these two goals can help him grow his confidence and be the main guy for us, he will be very important and we will depend a lot on him. He showed why tonight.”

Milan are now top of the table along for the first time since Week 8 in the 2023-24 campaign.

“Now we have to take it one game at a time, we are growing, showed character and quality, so we must continue like this. There is a long way to go, but we are on the right path, and when some players return from injury, we will be even stronger.”