AC Milan’s Rafael Leao gives Singapore fan an unforgettable birthday
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has become well known for his tricks and flicks – often while smiling on the pitch, which has endeared him to Milan fans all over the globe.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Follow topic:
SINGAPORE – Rafael Leao has been one of the Serie A’s brightest sparks since his breakout season in the 2021-22 campaign, when he registered 11 goals and 10 assists as AC Milan claimed their 19th Scudetto.
In that same season, the winger won the Serie A Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and became well known for his tricks and flicks – often while smiling on the pitch, which endeared him to Milan fans all over the globe.
One lucky fan experienced Leao’s infectious joy at Milan’s open training session at Bishan Stadium on July 22.
Feng Yuming could hardly stop grinning after Leao – his favourite player – wished him a happy 17th birthday.
Yuming even managed to snag a photo with Leao, although he expressed some disappointment at not having any memorabilia to get signed, and instead settled for the Portuguese’s autograph on a piece of paper.
Said Yuming: “I didn’t bring a jersey because the jersey (I have) is totally black.
“I brought a black pen so even if it was signed, you cannot see anything.
“So I asked him (Leao) to sign a white paper that I brought just in case,” added the student, who tipped Milan to beat Arsenal 2-1 in their July 23 match at the Singapore Festival of Football.
Besides Leao, other Milan players interacted with some 100 fans during a brief meet-and-greet session pitchside, after their 90-minute training session.
AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic (left) taking a selfie with fans after the team’s training session at Bishan Stadium on July 22.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Christian Pulisic superfan Nat Yadae also had the chance to finally get up close with his idol.
“(He’s) my favourite player. This (is the) first time I (get to) meet him,” said Yadae, who has closely followed Pulisic’s career since his debut nine years ago for Borussia Dortmund.
When Pulisic reached him at the end of the line, the American took the time to sign the jerseys Yadae had draped over the yellow barricades, which included one Milan shirt as well as those from Dortmund and Chelsea, Pulisic’s former clubs.
Yadae added that each jersey cost him about $300 on average.
“I buy (the jerseys) from England, from Singapore, from other (countries),” said the 24-year-old, who flew in from Thailand to watch the Rossoneri.
Milan fullback Filippo Terracciano said he and the rest of the players were grateful for the fans in Singapore being “lovely and so kind to us”.
The 22-year-old, who made 13 appearances for Milan in the Serie A last season, said he believes new coach Massimiliano Allegri will help the team develop defensive solidity.
AC Milan full-back Filippo Terracciano believes his team are ready for the Gunners.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
The team aim to showcase that against Arsenal.
Terracciano said: “The defensive phase will be the massive change for us. For him (Allegri), the defensive phase is important.
“He believes that if each one of (us) works the best individually, then all together, we’re going to be much better.”
He added: “We all know the quality that Arsenal (have).
“We saw the incredible level they can perform (for) the whole season. We are going to be ready and we’re going to play our best.”
After their match against the Gunners, Milan will continue their pre-season tour in Hong Kong, where they will play Liverpool on July 26.
Five days later, they will take on Perth Glory in Australia.
