The Rafael Leão question keeps fuelling debate. This time it is Franco Ordine, one of Italian sports journalism’s most respected voices, who has taken a clear stance in an editorial published on Milan News, pointing the finger at the Portuguese winger’s interviews and press releases, calling them «poorly written» and accusing those advising him of steering his communication in a deeply counterproductive direction.
What Leão Said — and Why It Is Causing a Stir
Shortly before the end of the season, when Milan were still in the race for a Champions League spot, Leão made some notably ambiguous statements: «If I were to leave, I would only do so after giving my all for Milan and after taking Milan to where it deserves to be.»
A comment that left many in the football world puzzled. Ordine rightly asks what that «where it deserves» actually means in practice: with Milan finishing the season in fifth place this year and eighth the season before, the line between self-confidence and a distorted sense of reality seems rather thin. The Portuguese winger has won a Serie A title in 2022 and an Italian Super Cup with Milan — a record that, objectively, does not justify the tone of a player who considers himself a guaranteed superstar.
Ordine’s Message: Wrong Advisors
The core of the editorial is not so much an attack on Leão as a footballer — his talent is undeniable — but rather a pointed observation about how his communication is being managed. The number 10’s declarations keep swinging between staying and leaving, between loyalty to the club and openness to external offers, without ever offering a clear picture. This kind of ambiguous and contradictory messaging serves neither the player’s image nor the club’s.
At 27, Leão is at the age when he should be hitting his definitive peak. Milan is counting on him, but it also expects clarity and consistency, both on and off the pitch.
Theo Hernández Looks Toward Europe — Saudi Arabia Is Just a Stopover
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup, a notable interview has emerged from Theo Hernández, speaking to the Spanish daily AS. The French left-back, who left Milan last season to join a club in Saudi Arabia, stated: «I will return to Europe, I am still young, I can come back without any problems.»
Theo acknowledges that the Saudi Pro League is a competitive championship with high-level players, but it is clear his horizon remains European football. He also spoke of Real Madrid as the best club in the world — a remark that is hardly accidental given his history in the Madrid youth academy.
The Attempt to Bring Leão to Saudi Arabia
The connection between the two former teammates is not merely sentimental. In recent weeks, Theo reportedly tried to convince Leão to follow him to the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese winger resisted, however: at 27, he does not yet feel ready to leave Europe, and even less so for a league like the Turkish or Saudi championship. His stated priority remains competing at the highest level in European football.
The futures of both players remain unclear. But between a Theo looking beyond the desert and a Leão sending signals that are hard to read, Milan finds itself with two open questions surrounding its former stars that will continue to make headlines one way or another.
