Rafael Leão bids tearful goodbye to Milan as Galatasaray move confirmed | OneFootball

Leão has sealed his transfer to Galatasaray [Getty Images]

Portugal international Rafael Leão sealed his move to Turkish giants Galatasaray on Sunday, signing a four-year contract in Istanbul for a fee of €38m.

Leão was greeted by a large number of Gala fans as he touched down in Türkiye on Saturday, having put the final touches on a contract which the club state will earn him a €10m net annual salary. The former Sporting man was in attendance shortly afterwards at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium, where he watched his new side beat Goztepe 3-2 to move top of the Super Lig after three rounds.

“I am very grateful to the Galatasaray fans for coming here,” Leão told reporters. “Since June, the president and vice-president have been pushing hard for this. They worked very hard to make this happen.

“I am very excited right now. I am looking forward to playing in the matches with excitement. Osimhen and I are already good friends. I think we can achieve great things both in the league and in the Champions League.”

“I cried a lot” 

The 27-year-old leaves Milan after seven years at San Siro, during which he became one of the Rossoneri’s most recognisable players. Leão helped his team win the Serie A title in 2021-22, while on an individual level he was named MVP and Footballer of the Year for his exploits during the campaign, having netted a career-high of 15 league goals.

However, it became apparent earlier this summer that Leão’s future was uncertain under new boss Ruben Amorim, leading to months of speculation. Ahead of finalising his exit, Leão spoke to Sky Sports Italia towards the end of last week, admitting that he was emotional at leaving Italy, having spent most of his career with Milan.

“Yes, it is a difficult moment,” he said. “I said goodbye to my teammates after seven years with them. The club always helped me, it helped me to grow and made me understand what a high level is, representing a great club like Milan.

“The moment has come to say goodbye. I would’ve preferred a different salute, to say goodbye on the field once again in front of the fans, those who helped me especially during the moments that weren’t so good.

“I will remain in the history of the club, because I know what I achieved here. I will carry in my heart all those who helped me, all I can do is thank them.

“This is life, we learn, we say goodbye. It is not a love affair that ended, because the love that I have for Milan will never end. I will keep watching from afar.”

“When you win trophies, these are things that stay with you. I will remember those to the end.”

“These are moments when you have to make decisions. Milan remain Milan, the team is of a high level, with a great coach, and even if we didn’t spend much time together, Amorim is very good and can take Milan to achieve important things.

“He plays the kind of football that I like. I will keep watching Milan from afar and wish them all the best.

“All those who represented Milan and helped me. This is life, eras come to an end, even if Milan will continue to do wonderful things for their fans. The important thing is that Milan are at the top and continue winning. I wish them the best.”

“I cried a lot, naturally, there has to be emotion in these moments.”

Leão will wear the no27 shirt for his new club. Meanwhile, Milan will be entitled to 20% of any future transfer fee.