Rafael Leão, the Portuguese forward of Milan, has not forgotten Diogo Jota and assured that the National Team will try to win the World Cup after having won the Nations League. "Two weeks before his passing, he was with us in the National Team, celebrating. We all cared about him. He was a good teammate and wanted to help everyone. It was devastating. We think of him in every game and imagine how he would celebrate a goal. The World Cup was a competition Diogo Jota wanted to be part of. We will give our all for him and try to make him proud," he stated in an interview with Kickin’It from CBS Sports. The Rossoneri attacker expressed appreciation for Roberto Martínez, the National Team coach. "The whole team likes Roberto Martínez; he has brought Portugal to a good position in the rankings. We won the Nations League, and the World Cup is an excellent opportunity to show what we are capable of. He is the right man to be in charge," he said, recalling the first time he met Cristiano Ronaldo: "I was with the U21s talking to a friend who was in the A team, and Cristiano passed by. He has an incredible aura. That was the first time I met him. I just saw him; I didn't speak to him. On my first call-up to the A team, he congratulated me and said I could help the team. He is a good person and tries to help the younger players. Even at 41, he wants to be number one; he inspires the younger ones." In his seventh season at Milan, Rafael Leão is not having the best physical season. Still, he remains one of the key players for the Rossoneri. Rafael Leão discussed his move to Milan in the 2019/2020 season, stating that Inter also showed interest. "Inter called the sporting director of Lille and said they were interested in me. But I wasn't convinced. In the past, I followed Milan with Maldini and my idol Ronaldinho. We finished second, but I was told that Milan wanted me. Paolo Maldini said he had been watching me throughout the season and invited me to join Milan. So, I signed. The beginning wasn't easy, but now I am very happy to be here and be a reference for the team and the fans," he said, also talking about winning Serie A in 2021/2022. "I didn't expect to win the Scudetto. After the last game, I was told I had been the best player of the season. I didn't expect it; it was one of my best seasons personally, but also collectively. I can't change who I am. Since I was a child, I have always smiled. If I changed, I would stop being Rafael Leão," he pointed out, recounting how he reacted when Allegri told him he wanted him to play as a reference in attack: "I told him I was ready; I can score more goals in that position." Finally, Rafael Leão praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the former player and current advisor of Milan, and spoke about the derbies. "Ibrahimovic was very demanding as a player, perhaps too much. For me, it was always a positive pressure. You learn a lot from people like that. If they talk to you, it's because they are interested in you. Even today, I talk a lot with him, and we have a great relationship. He helped me a lot, and I know that if I need anything, he will be there. I also have a great relationship with Pulisic. Now we know each other better, even on the field. We had some injuries this season, so we haven't played much together. He is a great player. In the days leading up to the derby, you don't go out; you stay home. It's a really crazy week; everyone wants tickets and talks about the game, the best of the season. The derby is a matter of life or death… and I want to experience it. Playing in a derby is incredible; the fans sing from start to finish," he concluded.
Diogo Jota Milan remains central to this story.
Diogo Jota Milan remains central to this story.
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