Rafael Leao has certainly been mismanaged in recent years and now AC Milan face a difficult issue regarding his future.

When looking at Leao, it is clear that he is one of the best wingers in Europe on his day. However, that day is not regular enough and even then, his best is different.

Sometimes he can be lethal; other times he can be a creation demon. However, it’s rare that his day combines every good aspect of his game. It’s why so many people are left frustrated with the winger.

Ultimately, he has very clearly not been helped by Milan in recent seasons and the past three coaches have all failed him a little bit, just like he’s failed them. It’s a complex one, really.

Traore offers Leao insight

As someone who saw it on the inside, Chaka Traore spoke to MilanNews in the latest part of his interview series with the site, and explained how good Leao really is and can be.

How much would Milan lose if Leao left? Remember, he’s been consistently used in recent years, but not always in terms of performance…

“We all know Rafa is a tremendous talent and a great player. But over the years, it’s been awful to see how he’s been managed… and how he’s been managed by himself.

“I’m sorry, but we all know that Rafa, when he’s in form, can win a game on his own. We saw it against PSG.”

Yes, but that was more the exception than the rule. AC Milan fans don’t criticize him for his talent, but for his hunger and motivation. Did he give it his all in training?

“Yes, Rafa is a professional. I don’t know what he’s missing, but personally I think that if he wants a change of scenery and believes it could be beneficial for him, he should do it.

“This is something he has to figure out for himself, because we don’t know what’s going on in his head. We only see what he does on the pitch, so we can’t judge a person for everything he does or how he feels.

“Maybe on the pitch we see that he doesn’t give 100%, but we don’t know what’s going on in his life. I can’t say what I don’t see.”

Potentially, in your opinion, does he have anything to envy of Yamal, Robben, and Ribery?

“Absolutely not! He can do everything and he has it all: pace, physique, technique. He has everything it takes to be a champion, but only he can decide whether he wants to reach a certain level or not.

“It’s entirely up to him. But if he’s okay with that…”

With all due respect to the Turkish league and two great clubs like Galatasaray and Fenerbahce… wouldn’t it be sad to see him go there at just 27?

“Yes, given his potential and the player he is, he’s a player fit for the top five leagues. Like the Premier League? Yes. It wouldn’t be nice to see him in Turkey, that’s my point.”

Who was the best player you played with at AC Milan?

“I’d say Rafa. But there are also others like Pulisic, Reijnders, Mike, and Theo Hernandez.”

But is it true that Chukwueze is running like a train in training?

“Yes, he’s also a very, very good player. If he stays at Milan, he’ll show who he really is. He’s really good, and he knows the Italian league and has played in the Premier League, so he has enough experience to make a difference.

“Then the assist he gave to Francesco [against Celtic] was incredible. Assists like that are made by champions, truly incredible.”

“They’re all nice, but the one who made me laugh the most was Florenzi. He’d attack me for my own good… but he did it to help me. He told me I had great potential, and that’s why he beat me up every day.

“He was nice, but he was a pain (laughs). But he only did it for my own good.”

The first to arrive and the last to leave?

“I watched Mike, who w