Ibrahimovic Told Rafa Leao to ‘Focus on Football’ After Listening to His Rap Song

• AC Milan winger Rafael Leao is one of the best young players in the world
• The Portuguese helped Milan to the Scudetto title last year and was named the league's MVP
• Away from football he is building a rap career under the pseudonym Way45

Zlatan Ibrahimovic told Rafael Leao he should stick to football after listening to his rap song before releasing his sophomore album later this year.

Leao, 23, is one of the best young players and most sought-after in the world, but the veteran Swede does not think his other adventure off the pitch is his way.

The Portuguese youngster helped AC Milan to their first Italian Serie A title in 11 years last year and was named the league's MVP as the season's best player.

According to Sempre Milan, he is set to release his sophomore album, My Life In Each Verse, under the pseudonym Way45 later this year and received backing from his club teammates except one.

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Football

Ibrahimovic advises Rafa Leao

The 41-year-old Sweden international is one of the most vocal footballers in the world and is never scared to express himself. He told the former Sporting Lisbon forward his honest view of his song.

“Yes, they’ve heard it! Some have laughed at it, but others have been more supportive,” he told Rolling Stone when asked if his teammates had listened.

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic laughed at it. He laughed at it and told me to focus on football instead! But the rest have told me to keep going and doing my thing.”

He named his father and uncle, a DJ, as inspiration for the hobby turned side hustle and claimed it helped him overcome a weakness as a shy person.

“I always wanted to do something in music, and I find it really allows me to express myself because I’m shy. I’m a shy person and I don’t always show my emotions and my feelings. But through the music, I can do that, and it’s just like another world for me,” he said.

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Football

Ibrahimovic tells Leao to stay

Sports Brief reported that Ibrahimovic advised Leao to stay in Milan amid interest from top European clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal.

His current contract expires in the summer of 2024, and there is yet to be an agreement over an extension with the club, but the veteran has told the youngster he is better in Milan.