Nesta believes Milan must ‘accept those 20 minute breaks’ by Leao as he ‘changes the game’

AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta has admitted that his attitude towards Rafael Leao has changed, particularly the fact that he drifts in and out of games.

Leao has often attracted criticism from sections of the media and the fan base for the fact that he does not always seem to be 100% games, sometimes going large spells without a meaningful touch of the ball and also leaving a bit to be desired in defensive work rate.

However, the win against Napoli on Wednesday provided a good example of this paradox. Leao struggled to get into the game for the first 20 minutes, and then he picked up the ball in the Rossoneri’s half and ran with it for 70 yards before almost finding the bottom corner.

It would have been one of the solo goals of the season without doubt, and Nesta spoke as a guest on BoboTv on Friday evening and was asked for his thoughts on Leao, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

“Leao initially gave me this feeling of impatience. Coaches, team-mates and fans have to learn to accept those twenty minute breaks because in the end if there’s a player who changes the game it’s him. I’m learning to accept it,” he said.