Rafael Leao leaves AC Milan after seven years for Galatasaray

Portuguese international Rafael Leao is departing AC Milan, the club where he has played since 2019, to transfer to Turkish side Galatasaray. He announced his departure on Friday evening following Milan's 2-0 victory over Venezia in the opening match of the second round of the Italian championship.

"This is a difficult moment; I said goodbye to my teammates after seven years, it's time to part ways," Leao stated in the interview zone. "I will surely be remembered in the club's history for all I have achieved. My love for Milan will never fade; I will always follow the team, even from afar," added the forward, who began his career at Sporting Lisbon and also played for Lille before arriving in Italy.

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This is a difficult moment; I said goodbye to my teammates after seven years, it's time to part ways.

According to specialized media, Galatasaray will pay up to 45 million euros to sign the 27-year-old forward, who is expected to commit to the Turkish club until 2030. During his time with the Rossoneri, Leao scored 80 goals in 291 matches across all competitions, winning the Italian championship title in 2022 and the Italian Super Cup in 2024.

AC Milan, currently leading Serie A with six points, has also signed another Portuguese player, Gonçalo Ramos, as Leao's replacement. The former Paris Saint-Germain player, acquired for a record 74 million euros, scored his first goal for Milan on Friday evening.

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I will surely be remembered in the club's history for all I have achieved. My love for Milan will never fade; I will always follow the team, even from afar.