Rafael Leão has confirmed he rejected Inter Milan’s approach before Paolo Maldini’s personal intervention convinced him to join the Rossoneri, with the Portuguese winger also addressing his goal expectations and an uncertain future at the club.

The comments emerged from Leão’s appearance on the Brazilian podcast Podpah, relayed by SempreMilan via MilanNews. The interview, recorded in São Paulo, covers his early career decisions, the 2021-22 Scudetto, and where he sees his future.

On the Inter question, Leão was unambiguous. He said he told his agent he had no interest in moving to the Nerazzurri, even with Champions League football on offer at the time. Days later, Milan made contact – and then Maldini called on FaceTime.

and immediately convincing. Maldini told him Milan saw a great future in him, and Leão said he was ready to come the following day. He added that saying no to that call simply wasn’t an option.

Close-up portrait of Paolo Maldini wearing a navy turtleneck and a grey herringbone blazer.
Paolo Maldini during his tenure as a director at AC Milan.

Goal Targets and an Uncertain Future

On scoring expectations, Leão was self-aware and wry. He recalled finishing his first season at Milan with around six to eight goals, noting that modern benchmarks – shaped by Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé hitting 60 in a season – have warped perception of what constitutes a productive return. He argued that ten goals is still a serious contribution, regardless of how it reads against elite striker numbers.

Rafael Leao in an AC Milan kit making a gesture with his hand during a match
Rafael Leao celebrates during an AC Milan match in the UEFA Champions League.

Regarding his future, Leão confirmed he has spoken to the club about the possibility of a new experience elsewhere. He said he must report for preseason on the 29th and will give everything while he is there, but acknowledged he has ambitions beyond Milan. Fenerbahçe have taken the lead over Galatasaray in reported Turkish interest, though Leão also joked – semi-seriously – about a long-term affinity with Corinthians after training at their facilities.

He also spoke warmly about Luka Modric as the best midfielder he has ever played with, describing him as a mentor He always trains at the highest level with the highest quality.