'Great things await us' – Leao recreates Boniface's goal celebration, backs him to shine at Milan

Rafael Leao has welcomed the imminent arrival of Victor Boniface at AC Milan, offering praise for the Nigerian striker while also providing reassurance about his own recovery from injury.

Speaking during a live Twitch broadcast, the Portuguese forward was asked about his new strike partner and responded positively. 

"He’s the type of player I like," Leao said, as quoted by sportal.it, while watching clips of Boniface’s goals for Bayer Leverkusen and even mimicking the forward's trademark celebration.

The 26-year-old also addressed his physical condition following a setback that will keep him out of Milan’s Serie A opener against Cremonese. 

"Great things await us on the horizon,” he said, before giving an update on his recovery. ”How am I? Good, we’re proceeding step by step."

Boniface, 24, is close to completing a move to San Siro after AC Milan reached a verbal agreement with Bayer Leverkusen. 

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal will see the striker join on an initial €5 million loan, with a €24 million buy option included, though not mandatory. 

The Nigerian international is expected to sign a contract once medical tests are finalized.

The transfer comes after Milan’s decision to part ways with Swiss forward Noah Okafor, who has completed a move to Leeds United. 

With the Rossoneri keen to bolster their attacking department, Boniface has emerged as the ideal option to complement Leao and provide competition in the forward line.

Boniface’s desire to secure more regular minutes has also played a key role in the negotiations. 

Despite being under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2028, the striker’s role diminished under new head coach Erik ten Hag, who has relied more heavily on Czech international Patrick Schick. 

Wale Adejumo

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