In the second round of Serie A, AC Milan lost 1-2 to Parma, only picking up 1 point after two rounds. More worrying than the dismal performance was the stir caused by star player Leao’s provocation of the fans after he assisted a goal.
Parma took the lead in the 2nd minute of the game. In the 66th minute, Leao drew several defenders before assisting Pulisic to score the equaliser. After contributing the assist, Leao stared at the stands, rolled his eyes, made a series of “shut up”, “silence” gestures, and muttered something under his breath – it was probably not anything nice. This caused an uproar. Notably, although playing away, Leao was facing the stand where AC Milan’s supporters sit.
Italian social media was immediately flooded with criticism, accusations, and conspiracy theories directed at Leao. Why did he do that? Is AC Milan’s “state problem” turning into a “psychological problem”? Or is Leao considering leaving? Only one person could explain why, and that person is: Leao himself.
After the game, Leao released a statement through social media, stating: “The gesture was not directed at the South Stand (AC Milan’s hardcore fan group), and it never will be, because they have always been there for me during my most difficult times… They are perhaps the only true fans who have supported us during tough times. I have seen some Milan fans’ opinions that I think are unreasonable. The gesture was aimed at specific fans who make wrong and negative comments when we lose.”
Leao also said, “No AC Milan player intentionally plays badly. We show respect for the shirt from the start of every game to the end! I will continue to take risks, as always, that’s what makes me special, and I won’t change my style of play. The Parma game is over, and it’s time to focus on the next one”.
AC Milan bigwig Furlani also hopes to quell some of the doubts, saying: “Will Leao leave? No, he will stay 100%.”
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