Rafael Leao leaves AC Milan for Galatasaray in farewell video
Quick summary
Rafael Leao has departed AC Milan to join Turkish giants Galatasaray, posting a farewell video thanking the Rossoneri faithful for his time at the club.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRafael 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.
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.
Leao and Milan: the end of a toxic relationship – watch on YouTube “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) 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) 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
— Antonio Vitiello (@AntoVitiello) August 29, 2026
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What happened
Star Portuguese forward Rafael Leao has officially left AC Milan, with a 'Thanks for everything' video confirming his move to Galatasaray. The transfer marks the end of Leao's tenure at the San Siro, where he had been one of Milan's most influential attacking figures. Galatasaray secure a marquee addition, while AC Milan face the challenge of replacing a player of Leao's caliber. The move represents one of the most significant transfers between Serie A and the Turkish Süper Lig in recent memory.
Chance analysis
Rafael Leao's departure from AC Milan to Galatasaray is a seismic move in European football, even if the transfer fee remains to be confirmed. For Milan, losing a player of Leao's talent and marketability leaves a significant creative void in their attack, and the club will need to act decisively in the transfer market to fill the gap. For Galatasaray, this signals genuine ambition to compete at a higher level in European competition, landing a forward who has been a difference-maker in the Champions League. The implications ripple through both leagues: Serie A loses one of its marquee names, while the Süper Lig gains global visibility.
AC Milan lose a primary attacking talisman, weakening their offensive threat, while Galatasaray gain a world-class forward significantly boosting their attacking potential.