KAKA: ‘IF LEAO WANTS TO LEAVE MILAN, THIS IS THE RIGHT MOMENT’

Milan legend Kaka believes Rafael Leao should stay with the Rossoneri but admits that this is the ‘right moment to leave’ if he wants to.

The Portugal international is in talks to extend his contract with the Serie A giants, but no agreement has yet been reached.

His current deal at the Stadio Meazza expires in June 2024 and his lawyer Ted Dimvula confirmed on Thursday that his client wants to remain at the club.

“He is a fantastic player, I like him so much,” Kaka told Gazzetta, speaking about Leao.

“If he sees Italian football as a transitory moment in his career, then he should leave, now it’s the right moment. I think he should stay because I don’t see Italian football as transitory and sometimes leaving Milan is not a good idea.”

The ex-Brazilian star left the Rossoneri for Real Madrid in 2009 after winning one Serie A title, one Champions League and the Ballon d’Or at San Siro.

“I don’t like comparisons, I think Leao must consider all options,” noted Kaka.

“Milan are giving him many. I met Galliani in Qatar during the World Cup and he said that Serie A has become a step in the players’ careers. I struggle to see it this way. Serie A remains a very challenging league for strikers, I don’t think it’s a minor league, even if there’s a different economic power. I learned so much in Italy and I became the player fans remind.”

Milan’s big summer signing Charles De Ketelaere was initially compared to Kaka but struggled to justify his €32m price tag during the first few months in Italy.

“Comparisons only put pressure, especially on young players joining a top club for the first time. I’d tell De Ketelaere to stay calm,” said Kaka.

“The first months of my second season at Milan were so difficult. Opponents know you, it’s all very different.”

The Rossoneri are preparing for Sunday’s derby against Inter. Kaka scored his first goal for the Diavoli in a Derby Della Madonnina in October 2003.

“Milan have conceded many goals lately, but they have the derby now. It’s an important match to get started again,” noted the Rossoneri legend.

“I expect a balanced game. Milan have nothing less than Inter even if the last few results were negative.”