Rafael Leao bids farewell to Milan fans: 'I leave with a smile, I'm one of you'
Quick summary
Rafael Leao appears to be departing AC Milan, sending a farewell message to fans expressing gratitude and lifelong connection to the club.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFormer Milan star Rafael Leao has shared a video message to thank Milan fans: ‘I leave with a smile. This is not goodbye, because I am one of you and I will always follow Milan.’
Portuguese winger Leao sent a message to Milan fans via Instagram just a few days after joining Galatasaray from the Rossoneri.
Leao had already spoken to the media before his departure for Turkey last week, but this time he wanted to speak directly to Milan supporters.
Rafael Leao is greeted by Galatasaray fans in Istanbul after leaving Milan Leao to Milan fans: ‘This is not goodbye’ “Hello Milan fans. I made this video to thank everyone,” Leao said.
“For me, it has been an incredible journey, a beautiful seven-year journey that somehow feels even longer, because from the moment I arrived, I immediately felt at home, and so did my family.
“Of course, the emotions are there, and they always will be. But I leave Milan with a smile, because I was able to play and show the best version of myself, with a smile,” he continued.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “So thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone. This is not goodbye, because I am one of you. I will always follow Milan, wherever I am. From now on, I’ll be supporting the club from afar.
“The best moments will always stay here, always in my heart. Thank you so much to everyone, and Forza Milan, always.”
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Galatasaray have confirmed the official figures of the deal, saying that Leao has joined them from Milan for €38m plus a 20% sell-on clause.
PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) During his seven-year spell at Milan, Leao, 27, scored 80 goals in 291 appearances and provided 65 assists. He contributed to the 2021-22 title victory as he was named the best Serie A player for that season.
The Portuguese also won the 2024-25 Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League semifinal in 2022-23.
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What happened
Rafael Leao has sent a poignant farewell message to AC Milan supporters, suggesting his time at the Rossoneri is coming to an end. The Portuguese forward, who has been one of Milan's most important attacking players in recent seasons, framed his departure with warmth and gratitude, stating he 'leaves with a smile' and remains 'one of you.' The message has fueled speculation about a summer exit, though the destination remains unspecified. Leao's departure would represent a significant blow to Milan's attacking line and their ambitions heading into the next campaign.
Chance analysis
If Rafael Leao is indeed leaving AC Milan, it marks the end of a defining era for both player and club. Leao arrived at Milan in 2019 and grew into one of Serie A's most electric forwards, becoming central to the Rossoneri's Scudetto-winning campaign in 2021-22 and their subsequent Champions League runs. His pace, dribbling, and goalscoring made him Milan's primary attacking outlet. Replacing a player of his profile — both in terms of output and market value — will be a major challenge for Milan's sporting directors, especially given Financial Fair Play constraints. For Leao, the next chapter represents an opportunity to test himself at a club competing for the Champions League or Premier League elite.
AC Milan lose their primary attacking threat and one of Serie A's most productive forwards, creating a major void in their frontline for the upcoming season.