TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 5: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC tackles Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Penicino/Getty Images)
Adrien Rabiot has warned Rafael Leao that “at 26 he is not young anymore” but hopes manager Massimiliano Allegri will have a “positive influence” on the Portuguese star.
Milan star Rabiot has urged teammate Rafael Leao to fulfill his potential as the Portugal international has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.
“I know people talk a lot about him,” Rabiot told Gazzetta.
“He’s a player with a lot of potential, but at 26 he’s not young anymore. At his age, there’s no time to waste. Time passes quickly. It’s a shame he’s stuck with a potentially great player. I hope he realizes he has what it takes to compete with the best.”
Ravio’s warning to Leo: he “needs to ask himself where he wants to go”
“Maybe he doesn’t have the will or the passion of someone like Modric, but Leo needs to ask himself where he wants to go, whether he’s happy with what he’s achieved or whether his goal is to become who he really can be,” continued the France international.
“For us, it would be a shame if he did not express his full potential and concentrate 100% on his work. Allegri knows how to get the best out of his players and I hope he will have a positive influence on him too. Perhaps for Leo this is the right opportunity.”
Leo has made just two substitute appearances in Serie A this season, having just recovered from a calf injury sustained in Milan’s debut in the Coppa Italia against Bari on August 17.
Italian media criticized Milan’s mistakes in front of goal in their latest league match against Juventus in Turin. There are doubts whether the Portuguese is the best option for the centre-forward position at San Siro, especially since the Rossoneri have other interesting options up front.
Rabiot: Nkunku is a ‘great player’
One of them is Christopher Nkunku, who joined the Rossoneri on a permanent deal from Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
“He’s a great player, effective in front of goal, technically strong, able to run and cut inside,” Rabiot said.
“Coach Allegri is delighted with his signing. He is another attacking weapon that will be very important in the race for the Scudetto. He arrived a little out of form and will take time to return to full fitness, but he is a great addition to a team that already has a diverse profile. He’s shown some interesting things out of the gate. A lot of people criticize Pulisic, Leo and even Jimenez, but Santi is someone who gives 100% in training and in games. He has the right mentality and he just needs to unleash it.” Himself. Overall, Milan are a great team, but their defense could be a bit weak in case of injuries. ”
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