Rafael Leao ‘signs new FIVE YEAR contract with AC Milan’, fending off interest from Liverpool and Chelsea as the winger remains a condition in DOUBTS ahead of the Champions League semi-final over rivals Inter
- AC Milan have signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool target Rafael Leao
- Chelsea were also interested in the Portuguese winger this summer
- He remains a questionable lead into the semi-final of the Champions League in Milan against Inter
AC Milan star Rafael Leao has reportedly signed a new five-year contract with the Italian club.
The highly regarded winger, who has already sparked interest from a host of clubs including Liverpool and Chelsea ahead of the summer, has had an impressive season with the Serie A giants, scoring 13 goals and 13 assists so far this season.
He was also instrumental in his side’s Scudetto triumph last season, which gave Milan their first Serie A title in 11 years.
Despite attracting the attention of several top clubs this summer, Leao has agreed to stay at Milan until June 2028. according to The athletic.
The 23-year-old star remains in doubt about his fitness ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against bitter rivals Inter after suffering a thigh injury in the first 11 minutes against Lazio on Saturday.
Liverpool and Chelsea target Rafael Leao ‘signed new five-year contract with AC Milan’
The Portugal international (left), who has been a key player this season, is fighting to return ahead of the Champions League semi-final in Milan against bitter rivals Inter Milan on Wednesday
Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday morning that Leao had arrived at Milan’s team hotel to join the squad, but it remains unclear whether he will be fit for the crisis. duel in the semifinals.
Reports from Italy claimed that Milan would know by Wednesday afternoon whether Leao would play against Inter, but head coach Stefano Pioli admitted on Tuesday that he would wait until the last minute to make a decision.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday) he will try to push himself to the limit to understand if he can take part in the competition,” Pioli said after Leao started training again on Tuesday.
“If I call him up, it’s because he’s fit to play. If the tests are good, he can even start.’
The winning team from San Siro will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the Champions League final next month.
Leao was ruled out with a thigh injury in their win over Lazio on Saturday and remains a doubt
The winger would be a big miss after his incredible performance in helping Milan knock out Napoli
Pep Guardiola’s side came back from behind on Tuesday to draw 1-1 with the Spanish giants on Tuesday, when Kevin De Bruyne’s second-half thunderbolt nullified Vinicius Jr’s opener before the break.
Leao, who won 18 caps for Portugal, joined Milan from Lille in 2018 and has since made more than 125 appearances for the club.
Although Milan are attempting to reach the Champions League final this season, Milan’s future in the league is still uncertain ahead of next season, with Pioli’s side sitting fifth in Serie A behind Inter, Lazio, Juventus and champion Napoli.
The Champions League glory would not only give the club their first European win since 2007, it would also secure their status in the league for next season.