Rafael Leao revealed he would have preferred to say his AC Milan goodbyes on the pitch, ahead of his imminent move to Galatasaray.
Leao is set to join the Super Lig side for a reported €45m fee, with Milan also said to be holding a 20% sell-on clause, after an approach from Aston Villa was rejected.
The 27-year-old has made 291 appearances for the Rossoneri since joining from Lille in 2019, scoring 80 goals and providing 55 assists across all competitions.
Since making his debut for Milan, Leao leads his team-mates in goals, assists, dribbles completed (577) and chances created (372).
Leao also leads in dribbles completed (418) among Serie A players in that time, while only Hakan Calhanoglu (49), Nicolo Barella (46) and Domenico Berardi (45) have assisted more often in the Italian top-flight than the Portugal international (43).
Reports suggested Leao was set to say his goodbyes at San Siro before Milan’s matchup with Venezia on Friday, though he only bid farewell to his team-mates.
“Yes, it is a difficult moment,” Leao, who won the Scudetto in 2021-22, told Sky Sport Italia.
Two goals and three pointsÂ
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“I said goodbye to my teammates after seven years with them. The club always helped me, it helped me to grow and made me understand what a high level is, representing a great club like Milan.
“The moment has come to say goodbye. I would’ve preferred a different salute, to say goodbye on the field once again in front of the fans, those who helped me, especially during the moments that weren’t so good.
“I will remain in the history of the club, because I know what I achieved here. I will carry in my heart all those who helped me, all I can do is thank them.
“This is life, we learn, we say goodbye. It is not a love affair that ended, because the love that I have for Milan will never end. I will keep watching from afar.”
