Former Italian footballer Paolo Di Canio has harshly criticized Milan star Rafael Leão , questioning his commitment to football.
The Portuguese forward was also the subject of criticism from Milan fans, who booed him during the 3-0 home defeat to Udinese. Leao has been used as a central striker this season, despite his natural position being the left wing.
In an analysis for Sky Sport, Di Canio said that Leao is not making the necessary movements for a striker and often looks disinterested when he does not have the ball. According to him, every striker must constantly work for the team, which the Portuguese is not doing at the right level.
“We are talking about a player who has to make dozens of movements to get the ball, but he doesn’t even do half of them. He doesn’t create space for his teammates and often looks lazy when he is not in possession,” declared Di Canio.
The former Italian striker added that the problem is not just tactical, but also one of concentration and priorities. According to him, Leao has been distracted by activities outside football, such as fashion and music, which affects his performance on the pitch.
“His priority seems to have become something else. It’s not the same as having some free time – these commitments require physical and mental energy,” he stressed.
Leao, who was named the best player in Serie A in the 2021/22 season and helped Milan win the title, has recorded 10 goals and 2 assists in 26 appearances this season.
However, according to Italian media such as La Gazzetta dello Sport, the possibility of him leaving Milan at the end of the season is not ruled out, despite the contract that ties him to the club until 2028.
