Milan star Rafael Leão has, on Tuesday evening, delivered something of a message to his many critics.
This comes fresh off a much-needed bounce-back performance on the part of the Portuguese international.
Milan, and Leão, marked their return to action a short time ago, welcoming French giants Paris Saint-Germain to San Siro in the knowledge that nothing but a victory would do in their hunt for a spot in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
And, when all was said and done, march on to victory is precisely what the Rossoneri managed.
After former Inter star Milan Skriniar put PSG in front early on, Leão pulled the hosts level in spectacular fashion, before Olivier Giroud completed the turnaround with a trademark header to secure a 2-1 Milan triumph.
The former proved particularly impressive on the night, looking back to his scintillating best after an underwhelming recent string of performances.
Speaking to the Sportmediaset (via TMW) post-match, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his critics was put to Leão himself.
And the wide-man was predictably defiant in his response:
“Criticism motivates me, I speak on the pitch and try to help my team.”
Turning attentions towards Milan’s collective efforts against PSG, he continued:
“Today the reward belongs to the whole team, we showed everyone who we are. There are no words, I am proud of my team doing an incredible job. We knew this match could change everything, the victory was the most important thing and now we are happy. This victory has given us confidence.”
Conor Laird | GIFN
