Modric makes his case for Leao to remain at San Siro

Luka Modric has thrown his weight behind Rafael Leao staying at AC Milan, describing his wantaway team-mate as "one of the best in the world when he's at his peak".

Leao's future at San Siro remains uncertain after the Portuguese winger admitted he is seeking a "new challenge" this season. However, with no suitable move yet materialising, speculation is growing that he could remain in Milan for another campaign — rumours given further weight by his inclusion in Ruben Amorim's pre-season squad.

Modric, who recently committed his own future to the Rossoneri by signing a one-year contract extension, stopped short of offering Leao advice but left no doubt about where he stands on the matter.

"I don't want to give him advice," Modric told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Rafa is mature enough to know what's best for him. He knows how much the fans and the club love him. He's a great player, and it's great to have him here. He just has to work hard and give his best for Milan, as he always has done."

'One of the best in the world at his peak'

The 40-year-old Croatian acknowledged that Leao is coming off a difficult, injury-disrupted season, but insisted his quality is beyond question.

"Maybe he's not coming off the best season; he had a couple of injuries and wasn't feeling at his best physically, but he's still a great footballer. In my opinion, if he were to stay, it would be fantastic for all of us because he's one of the best in the world when he's at his peak."

Modric added: "I hope he does well, finds his feet again and helps us to have a great year, because I'll repeat it: he's a great player. I'd like him to stay, but we'll see what happens. As I said, he and the club will decide what the best solution will be, but as a footballer, of course, I want Rafa in my team."

Leao features in derby draw with Inter

Leao returned to action for Milan in their 1-1 friendly draw against rivals Inter at Optus Stadium, entering the fray in the 63rd minute. Despite playing less than half an hour, he made his presence felt with a team-high nine final-third entries and 13 passes in the final third.

Manager Ruben Amorim insisted the winger's uncertain future is not affecting how he is treated within the squad.

"If you are a Milan player, you are lucky, and therefore, of course, you need to enjoy that," Amorim told Sky Sport Italia. "He is enjoying himself, but he is a team player; he helped the team, and that is important — the focus on the team. I evaluate Leao the same way I do [Christopher] Nkunku, [Francesco] Camarda and the others. Camarda worked so hard."

Nkunku penalty rescues Milan as Amorim sees progress

Christopher Nkunku converted a late penalty to earn Milan their draw with Inter, cancelling out Federico Dimarco's opener. With the club's World Cup stars gradually returning from extended breaks, Amorim's squad is approaching full strength, and the Portuguese coach was encouraged by what he saw.

"It was important that we didn't lose, but even more important is to keep improving as a team," Amorim said. "We started very well, pressing high, but Inter have a lot of experience; they understood straight away what we were doing, and then we struggled at the end of the first half and start of the second. There were improvements in the last 20 minutes of the match. It was a good test, but we need more games to test all the players."

Amorim also highlighted the stylistic changes he is implementing: "I think you can see that we're trying to move the ball quickly, to build from the back, but without taking the same risks that we took in Glasgow against Celtic. It was a good game in fitness terms too, even if we can improve a lot there as well."