Passionately defending the player, Ibrahimovic brushed off concerns about the 26-year-old's form and attitude, recalling that Leao “won a Scudetto single-handedly”.
Ibrahimovic vehemently defended the under-fire Milan striker, calling the Portuguese star “magical” and single-handedly crediting him with the 2021-22 Serie A title, a campaign in which the Swedish icon was a part. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibrahimovic, in his capacity as the club's consultant, dismissed the recent wave of criticism aimed at the winger.
Leao faced strong criticism over his form and attitude
Leao has been the subject of intense controversy in the Italian media over his recent performances, with critics questioning his effectiveness and overall consistency. The former Sporting CP player missed the opening weeks of Serie A through injury but made headlines by missing two key chances in the recent 0-0 draw against Juventus. That performance reportedly earned a scolding from coach Massimiliano Allegri in the locker room after the match, and Ibrahimovic provided insight into the confrontation.
“ I was in the locker room. Everyone was angry, everyone, Allegri, because we could have won,” he said. And even Leao, who conceded two goals. Remember that he was at his best during the pre-season, then he was out for two months, and now he has to get back into shape. Of course, we expect magic, because Leao is magic! Of course, we will always talk about him, because he is one of the best players in the world, and I don't say that for marketing purposes, but because I played football. I saw him as a child, now he has two children: it’s a journey. They say he is already 26 years old, but I matured at 28 years old. And then, when we won the Scudetto, I can say that he won it alone.
Ibrahimovic's public support will be a major asset for Leao heading into the next round of matches after the international break. However, attention will now focus on the player, who will have to be present on the pitch and achieve the regular and decisive performances that coach Allegri demands. As AC Milan aim to be competitive on all fronts, Leao's ability to recapture the 'magic' praised by Ibrahimovic will be vital to their success this season.
