According to reports, AC Milan winger Rafael Leao refused to receive the UEFA MVP trophy for his performance against Newcastle United.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (see below), Leao blew a good chance in the 34th minute of the game as he tried a back heel somewhat bizarrely after getting into a shooting position inside the box.
According to the article, ‘the most discouraging moment’ was not Fikayo Tomori’s reprimand after the miss or the grim expressions of his teammates and coaches in the locker room following the two points dropped, but the MVP trophy given to him by UEFA.
The Portuguese didn’t want to accept it since he knew he didn’t deserve it, but he was stuck by etiquette responsibilities. He had to pose with the figurine, which he will not be displaying in his living room.
Even meeting his families after the game was difficult. Rafa’s entire family was in attendance at San Siro, and it’s possible that he wanted to score a highlight reel goal particularly for them, but instead it was a night of immense disappointment.