Rafael Leao explains decision to join Galatasaray over Aston Villa | OneFootball

Rafael Leao has explained why he chose Galatasaray over Aston Villa, completing a €45 million move that ends his Milan spell.

According to Goal.com, the 27-year-old landed in Istanbul on Saturday, greeted by thousands at Ataturk Airport.

During seven seasons at San Siro he made 291 appearances, scored 80 and provided 65 assists, underpinning the 2021-22 Scudetto and the 2024 Supercoppa Italiana.

Villa, led by Unai Emery, held talks with Milan but could not agree a final fee. Asked if he had turned down Villa to sign for the Super Lig champions, the Portugal forward replied: “Yes, because Galatasaray was looking to push this deal since June. The president (Dursun Ozbek) and the vice-president (Niyazi Yelkencioglu), they did a really good job, also Jorge (Mendes, agent). So, thank you to all the guys who made the deal happen. It's a good opportunity for me... and I will do my best.”

Supporters are excited by the prospect of him linking up with former Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen. Leao said: “I am very excited right now. I am excitedly waiting to play matches. [Victor] Osimhen and I are already good friends. I think we can achieve very good things both in the league and in the Champions League.”

Villa have moved for Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye, with an agreement of about £47m in place and talks now focused on personal terms. He was previously the subject of exploratory interest from Liverpool.

Source: Goal.com

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