Rafael Leao confirms AC Milan exit for Galatasaray

AC Milan’s Portuguese forward #10 Rafael Leao reacts as he sits on the pitch during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Torino at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, on August 17, 2024. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao said he is leaving the Serie A club after seven seasons, with Turkish champions Galatasaray expected to be his next destination.

The Portuguese forward watched from the sidelines as Milan beat Venezia 2-0 on Friday, with club record signing Goncalo Ramos breaking the deadlock on his home debut.

“It’s a tough moment saying goodbye to my teammates after seven years,” he told reporters after the game.

“My love for the club will never leave me and I’ll always follow them.”

Leao scored 80 goals in 291 games for Milan and was a key figure in their 2021-22 Serie A triumph, but concerns over his commitment and declining production clouded the end of his time at the club.

Galatasaray will reportedly pay 45 million euros ($52 million).

Milan are rebuilding under former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim after missing Champions League qualification on the final day of last season.

They spent 74 million euros to acquire Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain and have won their opening two games of the new campaign.