“Leao was better than Ronaldo in the academy”

The star of Lille Rafael Leao’s was better than Cristiano Ronaldo when he was a star at the youth academy, says former coach Tiago Fernandes.

Leao – who is excellent for Lille so far this season in Ligue 1, have recorded six goals and an assistant in 13 appearances – has come out of the academy of Sporting, just like his compatriot Ronaldo.

Fernandes believes the 19-year-old is the best player at the academy of Sporting.

“I pressured Jorge Jesus then the coach of Sporting, to take on the first team and I said: ‘Yes, Gelson Martins has talent, but Rafael is the best player in the history of the Sporting Academy'”, Fernandes said.

At the youth level, he believes, Leao was better than Cristiano.

“At the youth level, he was better than Cristiano Ronaldo. When he decides to be decisive, such is the case. He just decides and does, “he added.