Real Madrid News
Serie A forward warned against joining Real Madrid: “End up being one of many”
Former AC Milan and Italy legend Filippo Inzaghi has warned Rafael Leao against joining clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City as he might end up getting lost in the mix.
The Portuguese forward has emerged as the face of Stefano Pioli’s AC Milan side and played an important role in the Rossoneri’s Serie A title triumph last season. He has continued in the same vein of form this term as well, bagging seven goals and nine assists from 20 matches.
Leao’s exploits in Lombardy have put him on the radars of elite clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City.
The fact that his contract with the Italian champions expires in 18 months and talks over a new deal have not progressed as planned has led to fuel speculations about his future.
However, Inzaghi, a former AC Milan superstar and legend has warned Leao that the grass is not always greener on the other side, instead urging him to stay put at San Siro and become the ‘flagbearer’ for the Rossoneri.
In an interview with Corriere della Serra (h/t Football Italia), Inzaghi said: “If I were him, I would stay. For me, Milan has always been the best. To wear that shirt, to play at San Siro.
“A few years ago, maybe you could think about aspiring to something more prestigious, because Milan was becoming great again, but now they won the Scudetto, they make their way in the Champions League.
“Leao is strong, but he can be even stronger. I hope he will be convinced. Here he can be a protagonist, at the centre of the project.
“The risk is that at City or Real he will then end up being one of many. If I could give him a piece of advice, I would tell him to become a flagbearer for Milan, something unique.”
It remains to be seen if Real Madrid are willing to make a move for the Portuguese international next summer, considering that they have plans to sign Jude Bellingham, who will command a significant sum of money for his signing.
Earlier today, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke openly about the rumours linking him to the vacant Brazil national team job.
The Italian tactician has emerged as the top target for the Selecao to succeed Tite, who was let go of after the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The president of the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, has made it clear that Ancelotti is the preferred candidate for the job.
Reacting to the same, Ancelotti, during his press conference today, said: “The reality is that the Brazilian national team wants me and I love it and I’m very excited about it, but then I have to respect the contract I have and I want to fulfil it.”
“I’m not surprised that there are these rumours. It doesn’t affect me, it doesn’t worry me. I’m just focused on fulfilling my duties with this club and with this team. I’m still here until Real Madrid allow me to stay.”
While the 63-year-old might be saying that he wishes to fulfil his contract at Real Madrid, which expires in 2024, he did not shy away from stating that he was happy about Brazil’s interest in him.
And now, Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Zone) is reporting that the Selecao are ready to wait until June to go ahead with the appointment of Ancelotti.
While the Italian tactician remains in control at this point at Real Madrid, things could change drastically over the next couple of months.
The La Liga title looks already out of the Merengues’ hands while they are also trailing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final. If they fail to go all the way in the UEFA Champions League as well, Florentino Perez could decide to make some changes, starting with Ancelotti.
Hence, Brazil are happy to wait patiently until June and see how the situation is at that point and whether Ancelotti is available. With no major matches coming up for the Selecao until September, they can afford to wait as well.
