Rafael Leao’s nightmare in recent months continues after he was sent off for Portugal against Chile
Rafael Leao was sent off during Portugal’s match against Chile (Image: X)
Arsenal transfer target Rafael Leao was shown a straight red card after appearing to punch a Chilean player during the World Cup’s penultimate warm-up match against Portugal.
The winger, who is due to leave AC Milan this summer, was involved in a pitchside scuffle and pushed an opponent several times before punching him in the face.
Following VAR intervention, Leo was sent off for violent behavior and Chile’s Ivan Roman was also sent off.
Leo appears set to leave the San Siro for the 2026/27 season and has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs including the Gunners, Manchester United and Chelsea.
According to reports in Italy, all these teams have been given the opportunity to sign Leo, but so far none have taken advantage of the opportunity.
Regarding his future, Leo told Portugal’s Sport TV: “I have already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while. The leagues are evolving, but with my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga will allow me to better showcase my talents as a player.”
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
“If the opportunity to play in the Premier League came along, I would be very happy. I think I would be able to showcase my talent against local players who are of a very high level. Playing in a league like that really brings out the best in players.”
The 26-year-old probably hoped that his form at the World Cup would help secure a potential move this summer.
The match between Portugal and Chile heated up before Rafael Leao’s red card
However, that plan got off to a bad start, with the Portuguese team losing one teammate after coach Leo was sacked.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, June 17, with coach Roberto Martínez looking to make a big decision following Leo’s actions.
Sign up now to our Make Football Great Again newsletter and get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox!
Hints about his minutes are likely to emerge on Wednesday, before Portugal play Nigeria in the final friendly before the start of the competition.
Uzbekistan and Colombia will face Portugal in the second half of the group stage, but Leo will be hoping to make an impression and also make amends after being sent off tonight.
