Rafael Leao is flying out to Istanbul to undergo his medical tests with Galatasaray: ‘Thanks for everything, ‘ he said before leaving. ‘ I’ve felt at home since day one.’
Portuguese winger Leao is ready to join Galatasaray. Last night, he was at San Siro for Milan’s 2-0 loss against Venezia, but was not available and spoke to journalists after the final whistle.
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Leao: I’ve always felt at home at Milan
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – AUGUST 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan shoots against Moises Caicedo of Chelsea FC during the pre-season friendly between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images)
A few hours later, he packed his luggage and prepared for his trip to Turkey, where he’ll join Galatasaray on a permanent deal exceeding €45m.
“I wanted to be on the field, say goodbye to the fans and feel their energy, but it wasn’t possible,” he told reporters.
“I wish Milan the best; I’ll keep watching them from afar. That’s how life goes. A cycle is over, and a new one begins. I’m happy to start a new adventure in a new country, in a team that is doing really well,” he continued.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on from the substitutes bench prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Talking about his next club, Galatasaray, Leao added: “Last season, they showed what they can do in the Champions League. It’s a very important competition for me too. We’ll play against great European clubs, so the target is to add quality to their team, which already has strong players.”
He also sent a message to Milan fans: “Thanks for everything. I’ve felt at home since day one. Every time my family came to visit me, they also felt at home, so I only have to thank them. I was very happy to wear their shirt. We won important trophies, and surely I’ll always carry Milan in my heart.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Lastly, a reporter asked if criticism from the media made Leao upset in recent years, but he replied with a smile: “Many times, but this is how things go. This happens in life: when things go well, everyone speaks well; if not, it’s right that people talk, but if they talk, it means you have something different.”
🇵🇹 L’ultimo saluto di #Leao al #Milan prima della partenza per la Turchia: “Saluto tutti i tifosi del Milan e li ringrazio” pic.twitter.com/PdPBqKz4P0
