Leonardo dismisses exit rumours

AC Milan coach Leonardo on Saturday denied claims in the Italian media that he had left his post at the seven-time European champions.

Mediaset, the company owned by Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, also the Italian Prime Minister, claimed on Friday that Leonardo’s contract had been rescinded.

But the Brazilian is adamant that he will see out his contract, which has another year to run.

“I don’t need to clarify anything, nothing has been rescinded,” he said ahead of Sunday’s trip to fifth-placed Sampdoria.

“Yesterday, when I heard the news, I thought: what do I have to deny? My situation has not changed since July 1, 2009 (when he signed a two-year deal).

“It’s my first year, I still need to know and understand certain things. I’m not here thinking about my future or my career.

“What ties me to a situation is not a contract and it never will be. When I came here as a player I had a three-year contract, I’ve been here 13 years.

“In my life I think only about the present. I’m very calm, I’ve nothing to say about the future.”

Leonardo has been under pressure this season as their inconsistent form has left them third, four points behind leaders AS Roma with five games left.

Sampdoria are level on points with fourth-placed Palermo and looking for a victory to boost their hopes of securing Champions League football next season.