‘He’d have shone in my legendary AC Milan side’ – Portuguese-Angolan star Rafael Leao has Shevchenko backing

AC Milan legend Andrei Shevchenko has praised Rafael Leao’s talent, insisting the Portuguese forward would have had a place in his iconic Milan side.

Leao, who is of Angolan heritage, continues to impress in Serie A this season. His performance against Lazio helped Milan secure a narrow 1-0 victory that propelled the Rossoneri to the top of the league.

Six minutes into the second half, Leao finished from close range after connecting with Fikayo Tomori’s ball across the box.

The match ended controversially when Alessio Romagnoli’s shot struck Strahinja Pavlovic’s arm, but after a VAR review, no penalty was awarded.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri received a red card during the prolonged decision, adding to the tension.

Milan now sit one point above Roma, while Lazio remain eighth in the table.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Shevchenko highlighted Leao’s versatility and explosive pace. “He’s not really a centre forward, he’s a winger.

“But if you keep the block a little lower, so as to exploit his best qualities and free up his runs, Rafa has the qualities to do it, and well: when he has space up front, he burns everything with speed. Right now the results are positive: Leao is scoring and learning a new role.

“But it won’t always be easy: as a centre forward you have to know how to strike in every situation.”

When asked if Leao could have fit into his legendary Milan squad, Shevchenko replied: “Yes. I don’t know if he’d have been a starter, but he definitely would have had a place because he’s a striker with unique characteristics.”