Modric wants Leao to stay at Milan: 'Of course I want Rafa in my team'
Quick summary
Luka Modric has publicly expressed his desire for Rafael Leao to remain at AC Milan, amid ongoing speculation about the Portuguese forward's future.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLuka Modric says that Rafael Leao is mature enough to make up his own mind when it comes to his next career steps, but says that the Portugal international is one of the best players in the world on his day and admits: ‘Of course I want Rafa in my team’.
Leao had made it clear at the end of the 2025-26 season that he was keen to leave Milan after seven years for a new challenge, ideally in the Premier League or LaLiga.
As things stand, however, Leao has not received any offers he deems to be enticing, and recent reports in Italy have begun to question whether there is a possibility that he ends up staying put in San Siro for another season.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on from the substitutes bench prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Modric was asked for his opinion on the matter while speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an in-depth interview that was published on Wednesday.
Click here to read the full interview with Modric.
What Modric said about Leao: ‘One of the best in the world at his peak’
There had been uncertainties as to whether Modric himself would stay on with Milan heading into the 2026-27 season. The 40-year-old had been out of contract but has since penned a one-year extension to his deal despite the lack of Champions League football on offer with Milan next term.
Asked if he has any advice for Leao in his current situation, Modric replied: “No, I don’t want to give him advice.
“Rafa is mature enough to know what’s best for him. He knows how much the fans and the club love him. He’s a great player and it’s great to have him here. He just has to work hard and give his best for Milan, as he always has done.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “Maybe he’s not coming off the best season, he had a couple of injuries and wasn’t feeling at his best physically, but he’s still a great footballer. In my opinion, if he were to stay, it would be fantastic for all of us because he’s one of the best in the world when he’s at his peak.
“I hope he does well, finds his feet again and helps us to have a great year, because I’ll repeat it, he’s a great player. I’d like him to stay, but we’ll see what happens. As I said, he and the club will decide what the best solution will be, but as a footballer, of course I want Rafa in my team.”
Click here to read the interview with Modric in full.
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What happened
New AC Milan signing Luka Modric has spoken out about wanting teammate Rafael Leao to stay at the club. Leao has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent windows, with several top European clubs reportedly interested. Modric, who joined Milan after his Real Madrid contract expired, said plainly: 'Of course I want Rafa in my team.' The comments suggest Modric sees Leao as central to Milan's project going forward, even as rumours persist about the Portuguese star's potential departure.
Chance analysis
Modric's public endorsement is a morale-boosting signal for Milan's retention push. Leao is Milan's most marketable and decisive attacking asset, and any departure would significantly weaken their offensive output. While this is a teammate's opinion rather than an official club stance, it carries weight given Modric's stature and his role as a new leader in the squad. For prediction systems, the key takeaway is that Leao's likely availability for Milan remains the base-case scenario, unless concrete bid activity emerges.
Positive reinforcement for Milan's attacking line stability; Leao's status remains unchanged but sentiment around his retention has improved.
Leao should be treated as likely available for Milan; no concrete transfer movement is indicated, only supportive teammate comments.