While evaluating his own game, Rafael Leao made a “selfish claim” about Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The AC Milan player has 23 caps for Portugal and has had the opportunity to learn from the guy he considers to be his idol.
Since he was a child, Leao has looked up to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The 24-year-old was questioned if he believes he can emulate Ronaldo in his career in a recent interview with Sky Sport Italia.
Leao is already making waves, but he admits that he lacks the “selfish” qualities that helped Ronaldo become a goal-scoring machine.
He also praised Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi, but believes everything will fall into place in time.
“Yes, but I’m not selfish,” he said, according to Sky Sport Italia.
“I can score goals, but if I can also assist, I will pass to a teammate.” At these levels, stats matter because Mbappe, Haaland, and Messi put up figures that speak for themselves. I’ll get to that level if I think like them.”
Leao has scored 26 goals in 69 games during the last two seasons in Serie A.
Previously linked with Chelsea and Manchester City, he has scored four goals in all competitions this season.
But Leao is full of confidence and was questioned if he would fit into a world XI of best players.
“Yes, because I’m doing well and I know I can stay there,” he said. Other players my age are currently performing at a greater level than I am, but sure.”
The former Sporting CP and Lille man then put together a star-studded squad, starting on the left wing in a front three that includes Vinicius Jr and Mbappe.
“4-3-3,” he explained. [Mike] Maignan on the right, [Joao] Cancelo on the left, Thiago Silva in the center with… [Virgil] van Dijk? No… Dias, Ruben. [Jude] Bellingham, [Kevin] De Bruyne, and [Luka] Modric play in midfield. And in front, there’s Leao on the left, Vinicius on the right, and Mbappe in the center.”
