After the hard-fought victory at the last minute on their debut against the Czech Republic, the difficulty bar is raised for Portugal and against the Turkey of the jewels Arda Guler and Yildiz it will be the opportunity not only to get their hands on the round of 16 in advance of the European Championships, but also to try to show progress both in terms of play and performance level for some individuals. Among these there is undoubtedly Rafael Leao, whose performance against the Czechs has certainly not gone down in history – a couple of accelerations from his team, a yellow card for simulation and a substitution in the 63rd minute – and who is aware of how much Euro 2024 can represent for he, in every sense, a showcase. EMERSON ROYAL PUSHES FOR MILAN The market has something to do with it, of course, but above all to demonstrate to himself and to the staff that he can be that player who has only shown in flashes with the Milan shirt. Among the most important players at European level, Leao has the opportunity to fully show the potential that everyone has recognized in him in recent years but which, to date, has not been exploited 100% and to place himself on the same level as the best . “I prepared myself mentally because the European Championship has always been my dream and my goal. I’m having fun, with great players, a great coach, and my goal is to have a great individual and collective campaign”, declared the class of ’99 in the press conference on the eve of which he was the protagonist. He hopes to be the same in pitch, even if there is still no certainty about the possibility that coach Martinez will be able to propose it again from the first minute against Calhanoglu and his teammates. and try to help Portugal lift the second cup after the 2016 edition, but also to consolidate the status of an attractive footballer on the international market. In recent days there has been a lot of talk about the alleged interest of the Saudi championship and in particular the contacts between Al-Hilal and an intermediary close to Leao’s father, Antonio, and of the hidden approval of Paris Saint-Germain, still looking for a replacement for Kylian Mbappé and in which a manager operates who has already worked with the Milan player in past, compatriot Luis Campos. Rumors which at the moment do not lead to anything concrete, given that Leao has a contract with the Rossoneri club until 2028 and a release clause of 175 million euros and has repeatedly reiterated that he is very happy with his current team. However, the fact that the topic is sensitive and that, in these times, questions on the topic can generate at least a hint of embarrassment – perhaps also in light of the enigmatic words released by comrade Theo Hernandez from the retreat of France – is demonstrated by the curious episode that occurred in last pre-Turkey conference. When asked by a reporter for clarification on possible transfer market developments in the coming weeks, Leao’s every possible attempt at a response was nipped almost immediately by the communications manager of the Portuguese national team. Who replaced the player by asking to move the target to the football played and the European Championships. An ultra-protective attitude towards one of Portugal’s most important elements, but which certainly does not completely dispel doubts about Leao’s future. For the answer we just have to wait for the next episode. Meanwhile, speaking of protection, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paulo Fonseca took his first step at Milan and did so in silence. In recent days, before leaving for holidays, he went to visit Rafael Leao, who was preparing for the European Championship with Portugal. A pleasure trip, of course, but also a mission to make him understand how fundamental he is for the Rossoneri world. The new coach will not ask him for a tactical change, because Leao is Leao: an attacking winger with acceleration, speed, dribbling and one-on-one. But from Via Aldo Rossi there is the need to find a more cynical and concrete Lusitanian 10 in front of goal. Fonseca spoke to him, as a good group manager that he is, he gave the first caress to his star player, called today to make up for his performance against the Czech Republic. All eyes on Leao.
