Rafael Leão confirms impending Milan departure: “In life you have ambitions for other things” | OneFootball

Leão could leave Milan after seven years [Getty Images]

Rafael Leão looks certain to leave AC Milan this summer, after the Portugal forward confirmed growing speculation that his future likely lies elsewhere.

Leão has been strongly linked with a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in recent days, with reports in Italy suggesting his sale is central to Milan’s plans to further strengthen their squad under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Amorim was somewhat cold on the subject of Leão during his official unveiling as Rossoneri boss earlier this month, heightening suspicions that his countryman does not figure in plans for next season. While Amorim was prepared to speak extensively when asked about Milan stars Luka Modric and Christian Pulisic, he dampened conversations about Leão’s future.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Milan hope to recoup €50-60m for Leão, who had an inconsistent season last term as Milan failed to secure Champions League football under Massimiliano Allegri with a 5th place finish. The uninspiring campaign cost Allegri his job and it appears Amorim is happy to make further change to the team’s make-up, following the club-record signing of Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain.

Leão has been with Milan for seven seasons, during which he has often lit up the Italian league, being named in the Serie A Team of the Year on three occasions. Leão was also recognised with the Serie A Footballer of the Year award following Milan’s title-winning campaign in 2021-22.

However, last season saw Leão score just ten goals in all competitions – his lowest tally across the last five years. With Amorim seemingly open to a separation, the 27-year-old forward confirmed on Friday that there has been communication with the club over a change of scenery this close season.

“I’ve already spoken with the club about the possibility of trying a new experience,” Leão told reporters. “I don’t know what will happen, I have to show up at Milanello on the 29th, and as long as I’m there, I will always give my best and respect the shirt that has given me everything.

“It’s a club that has helped me a lot in so many different ways, but in life, you have other ambitions as well. I will study the options but for now, I remain a Milan player.”

Some reports have indicated that Leão could reject the move to Fenerbahçe, despite the Istanbul club offering an increase on his Milan salary to €10m per year. Fener's bitter rivals Galatasaray are also linked with an approach, while Leão has recently been hinting at his interest in Brazilian football during his vacation in South America.