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Rafael Leao has certainly been mismanaged in recent years and now AC Milan face a difficult issue regarding his future. When looking at Leao, it is clear that he is one of the best wingers in Europe on his day. However, that day is not regular enough and even then, his best is different. Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial! Sometimes he can be lethal; other times he can be a creation demon. However, it’s rare that his day combines every good aspect of his game. It’s why so many people are left frustrated with the winger. Ultimately, he has very clearly not been helped by Milan in recent seasons and the past three coaches have all failed him a little bit, just like he’s failed them. It’s a complex one, really. Traore offers Leao insight As someone who saw it on the inside, Chaka Traore spoke to MilanNews in the latest part of his interview series with the site, and explained how good Leao really is and can be. How much would Milan lose if Leao left? Remember, he’s been consistently used in recent years, but not always in terms of performance… “We all know Rafa is a tremendous talent and a great player. But over the years, it’s been awful to see how he’s been managed… and how he’s been managed by himself. “I’m sorry, but we all know that Rafa, when he’s in form, can win a game on his own. We saw it against PSG.” Yes, but that was more the exception than the rule. AC Milan fans don’t criticize him for his talent, but for his hunger and motivation. Did he give it his all in training? “Yes, Rafa is a professional. I don’t know what he’s missing, but personally I think that if he wants a change of scenery and believes it could be beneficial for him, he should do it. “This is something he has to figure out for himself, because we don’t know what’s going on in his head. We only see what he does on the pitch, so we can’t judge a person for everything he does or how he feels. “Maybe on the pitch we see that he doesn’t give 100%, but we don’t know what’s going on in his life. I can’t say what I don’t see.” Potentially, in your opinion, does he have anything to envy of Yamal, Robben, and Ribery? “Absolutely not! He can do everything and he has it all: pace, physique, technique. He has everything it takes to be a champion, but only he can decide whether he wants to reach a certain level or not. “It’s entirely up to him. But if he’s okay with that…” With all due respect to the Turkish league and two great clubs like Galatasaray and Fenerbahce… wouldn’t it be sad to see him go there at just 27? “Yes, given his potential and the player he is, he’s a player fit for the top five leagues. Like the Premier League? Yes. It wouldn’t be nice to see him in Turkey, that’s my point.” Who was the best player you played with at AC Milan? “I’d say Rafa. But there are also others like Pulisic, Reijnders, Mike, and Theo Hernandez.” But is it true that Chukwueze is running like a train in training? “Yes, he’s also a very, very good player. If he stays at Milan, he’ll show who he really is. He’s really good, and he knows the Italian league and has played in the Premier League, so he has enough experience to make a difference. “Then the assist he gave to Francesco [against Celtic] was incredible. Assists like that are made by champions, truly incredible.” Who was the funniest guy? “They’re all nice, but the one who made me laugh the most was Florenzi. He’d attack me for my own good… but he did it to help me. He told me I had great potential, and that’s why he beat me up every day. “He was nice, but he was a pain (laughs). But he only did it for my own good.” The first to arrive and the last to leave? “I watched Mike, who was also tough. He also told me, ‘You have to do this and that.’ He’s a professional and a leader. He’s an example in modern football.” The most serious? “I’ll tell you Gabbia and Mike: very serious. Gabbia is an incredible professional and a golden boy.” The most touchy? Maybe someone who couldn’t take criticism and couldn’t stand being on the bench? “I don’t remember anymore. Plus, all the players don’t like being on the bench. I’d rather not go out on a limb: I don’t know who to say… actually, I don’t remember.” The one with the best style? “Rafa, obviously! He has a style that I like too; I like the way he dresses.” The moodiest one? “Theo! Sometimes he has mood swings: one day he’s smiling, the next day… Then it also depends on who he’s with. Maybe he was more confident with Leao and Mike. “He didn’t show confidence to everyone, especially the young ones.” What do girls like most? “Look, I didn’t go out much, but I think Rafa. But beyond football, also thanks to fashion and everything that surrounds it. Then Ruben Loftus-Cheek also likes it.” Differences between Belgrade and Milan? “There’s not much difference. Milan is a frenetic city; everything happens quickly. But here, every city has its own pace. But Belgrade is beautiful and the people are fantastic, especially the fans: when they love you, they really love you. “Just like at Milan. There’s a great atmosphere here, I wasn’t expecting it, and it struck me.” Do you see yourself there long-term? “Yes, yes, but it depends on the club. I’m here to prove to the club that they didn’t make a mistake. Then it depends on what the club wants to do with me. But the club has impressed me. “This is a great football club and we have a great team. I have a lot of respect for them.” Then the Partizan and Red Star stadiums are next to each other, or almost. Like Paris FC and PSG and Racing Club and Independiente… “Exactly, so imagine the derby! It will be an electric and hostile atmosphere. I was already following it last year, and this rivalry is really beautiful.” Will it be a healthy rivalry like Milan-Inter or more of a hatred like Lazio-Roma? “I think the rivalry will be like Roma-Lazio. On the other hand, Milan-Inter isn’t that hostile. Here, in my opinion, they’re tougher, and besides football, there’s also a basketball rivalry…”