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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Leao opens up about relationship with Ibrahimovic</li><li>Reveals who he considers his best friend at Milan</li><li>Reveals what advise he received from Ibrahimovic</li></ul>

'Only spoke to me when I played badly' - Rafael Leao opens up on his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as AC Milan star reveals his best friend in San Siro dressing room

Serie A

Milan

Fiorentina

The Portugal international claims that Ibrahimovic never approached him after he had a good game. However, Leao did receive some valuable advice from the former striker regarding dribbling and ball control.The 24-year-old had a good relationship with Ibrahimovic <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/zlatan-ibrahimovic-announces-retirement-41-emotional-speech-after-ac-milan/blt1838d16f323ece49" target="_blank">before the Swede's retirement</a>, but also revealed that he considers Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer to be his closest friend at Milan.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Leao has been playing for AC Milan since 2019 and was an integral part in the club's run to Serie A glory 2021-22 season alongside Ibrahimovic. At the age of 41, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/zlatan-ibrahimovic-announces-retirement-41-emotional-speech-after-ac-milan/blt1838d16f323ece49" target="_blank">a tearful Ibrahimovic announced his retirement </a>from football in June this year in front of AC Milan fans at San Siro.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking on the 19F podcast, Leao said of his relationship with Ibrahimovic: "When I played well, he wouldn’t speak to me. Only when I played badly. He concentrated on the details a lot, he wasn’t interested in dribbling. Sometimes he would tell me: ‘Rafa, you have to control it like this and immediately take it towards the goal. With your talent, you can’t make mistakes with a touch like that.’"When asked who he considers his best friend at San Siro, the player replied: "(Ismael) Bennacer. I’ve got a great relationship with him, he’s my brother."

WHAT RAFAEL LEAO SAID

The attacker is currently out of action due to a hamstring injury he suffered during Milan's Serie A clash against Lecce. Leao was not included in Portugal's squad for their final Euro 2024 qualifying games and it remains to be seen if he can regain fitness before his club's upcoming match against Fiorentina on Saturday.

WHAT NEXT FOR RAFAEL LEAO?

'Only spoke to me when I played badly' - Rafael Leao opens up on his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as AC Milan star reveals his best friend in San Siro dressing room | Goal.com Cameroon

AC Milan star Rafael Leao has opened up on his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and also revealed his best friend in the San Siro dressing room.

&apos;Only spoke to me when I played badly&apos; - Rafael Leao opens up on his relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as AC Milan star reveals his best friend in San Siro dressing room

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