Rafael Leão agrees Galatasaray move after seven seasons at AC Milan

Farewell at San Siro

Portuguese forward Rafael Leão watched from the San Siro stands on Friday evening as AC Milan secured a league victory against Venezia. Leão was excluded from the matchday squad after agreeing to terms with Turkish club Galatasaray just hours earlier. Following the final whistle, the attacker confirmed his departure in an emotional post-match interview with Sky Sport, concluding a seven-year tenure with the Italian side. Leão acknowledged that he would have preferred to say goodbye directly on the pitch before the home fans who supported him during difficult moments, but the timing of the transfer made that impossible. He explained that representing Milan taught him the standards of elite football and stated that he expects to remain in the club's history for what he achieved.

I cried a lot, it is a difficult moment. I said goodbye to my teammates after seven years with them.

Transfer terms and Turkish destination

Galatasaray finalized terms with AC Milan on a transfer fee reported between 43 million euros and 45 million euros. Leão accepted a multi-year contract that will pay him an annual salary of 12 million euros in Istanbul. That wage package proved decisive in the forward's decision to move to the Süper Lig, prompting him to choose Galatasaray over a competing approach from Premier League club Aston Villa. Leão is scheduled to arrive in Turkey on Saturday, 29 August 2026, to undergo medical examinations and sign the final paperwork for his new club.

Seven seasons and the 2022 title

Leão originally arrived at Milan in 2019 as a young prospect and evolved into a central figure in the squad's offensive lineup over the past seven seasons. Across nearly 300 competitive appearances and almost 20,000 minutes on the pitch, he contributed 145 total goal involvements through goals and assists. The defining pinnacle of his Milan career arrived in 2022, when he played a decisive role in delivering the club's 19th Serie A championship. Although subsequent seasons brought managerial transitions, tactical friction, and criticism regarding on-pitch consistency, Leão affirmed that his relationship with the club and its fanbase remains strong.

It is not a love that has ended, because the love I have for Milan will never end. I will watch from afar.

Endorsement of Ruben Amorim

Before departing, Leão offered a clear endorsement of Milan head coach Ruben Amorim, who recently took charge of the team. Although the forward spent only a brief period working under the new manager, he described Amorim as a decisive leader capable of guiding Milan back to trophies. Leão noted that he admires the tactical style Amorim implements on the pitch and expressed certainty that the current squad has the quality to compete at the highest level. He closed his remarks by thanking everyone at the club and stating that life moves in natural cycles.