AC Milan and Portugal national team star Rafael Leão has announced that he is expecting twins, Soccernet.football reports.
The 25-year-old footballer shared the exciting news in an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport via Corriere.
“I’m going to be a father soon, I’m very happy, in my opinion it will be a really cool experience. I like children, so now I’ll have another reason to continue working and valuing my family,” Leão revealed.
Leão also provided some details on the timing, stating that the twins are expected to arrive “maybe November or December.” He disclosed that the boys will be named Rodrigo and Tiago.
The identity of the mother has not been officially confirmed, though there is speculation that it might be Portuguese digital influencer Francisca Silva, who has over 70,000 followers on Instagram.
One of Europe’s finest dribblers at the moment, Leao is often guilty of looking to lay up an assist rather than score goals.
The Portugal international reveals that growing up watching Xavi and Iniesta helped him form that habit.
“When I was little, I liked dribbling and making assists. I watched everyone, especially Xavi and Iniesta who made 30-meter passes, or even just five to put a striker in front of the goal,” Leao said.
“That’s why I’m not selfish. My favorites have always been Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo at United, and all those who made incredible plays or passes. That’s how I see myself, I bring something different.
“The goals? Football is just numbers now, it is clear that they are important but they no longer valorize talents. Those who cannot make a pass but score 30 goals are put above everyone else, even those who bring something different.”
Leao and the rest of the Milan squad are currently in the United States preparing for the upcoming Serie A season.
They recently secured a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid, with a goal from Samuel Chukwueze. Their next pre-season match is against Barcelona, ahead of their domestic opener against Torino on August 17.
