Rafael Leao Heads to Istanbul for Medical Tests with Galatasaray
Rafael Leao is en route to Istanbul to complete his medical exams with Galatasaray. Before his departure, he expressed gratitude, stating, “Thanks for everything. I’ve felt at home since day one.” The Portuguese winger is set to join Galatasaray in a permanent transfer that exceeds €45 million.
Leao was present at San Siro last night for Milan’s 2-0 defeat against Venezia, though he did not participate in the match. After the game, he took time to speak with journalists.
“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.”
Looking ahead to his new club, Leao remarked on Galatasaray’s impressive performance in the previous season’s 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.”
Leao also took a moment to thank Milan fans, saying, “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.”
When asked about recent media criticism, Leao responded with a smile, acknowledging it as part of life. “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.”
Rafael 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.
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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.
“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)
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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)
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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
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