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Rafael Leao departs AC Milan for Galatasaray amid emotional farewell

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 10:30 PM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Rafael Leao departs AC Milan for Galatasaray amid emotional farewell

Summary

Rafael Leao has completed a transfer to Galatasaray, departing AC Milan after seven years. Leao expressed disappointment in not being able to say goodbye to Milan's fans on the field and revealed that he will earn €12m per season in Istanbul. Despite interest from Aston Villa, a move to Turkey was finalized for a fee between €43-45m, plus add-ons. Leao reflected on his time at Milan, recalling positive moments and the impact the club had on his development. He plans to support Milan from afar as they move forward without him.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Leao completed his move to Galatasaray for €43-45m plus add-ons.
•He expressed a desire for a public farewell at San Siro.
•Leao spent seven years at Milan, winning two trophies.
•He plans to earn €12m per season in Turkey.
•Aston Villa's bid was not satisfactory for Leao or Milan.

Latest Updates

10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Leao: ‘My love for Milan will never end, but I wanted different goodbye’

What they're saying

"
Rafael Leao admits he ‘would’ve preferred to say goodbye on the field in front of the fans’ and his ‘love for Milan will never end’ as he flies out for Galatasaray.The agreement was reached ...
— Yahoo Sports

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