Rafael Leao has spoken about his decision to leave Milan after completing a move to Galatasaray, saying: “I felt the time was right.”
The Portugal winger addressed his departure from the Italian club at a news conference held before Galatasaray’s Champions League match against Sporting CP of Lisbon.
Leao was asked about the decision to end his time with the Rossoneri and join the Istanbul club. His response, as he reflected on the transfer, was direct: “I felt the time was right.”
The move to Galatasaray cost €38m, with Leao signing a contract that will keep him at the Turkish club until 2030.
His comments came as Galatasaray prepared for their Champions League meeting with Sporting CP. The fixture provided the setting for Leao to discuss his change of club and explain why he believed it was the appropriate moment to leave Milan.
The transfer brings to an end Leao’s spell with the Rossoneri and begins a new chapter in his career in Turkey. Galatasaray have committed to the Portugal international through a long-term agreement running to 2030, while the total cost of the transfer has been reported as €38m.
Leao’s remarks focused on the timing of his decision rather than providing further detail about the terms of his departure. He said only that he had reached the conclusion that the moment was right to move on from Milan.
The winger is now part of the Galatasaray squad preparing for its Champions League fixture with Sporting CP. The match in Lisbon was the immediate backdrop to the press conference, where the transfer and Leao’s decision to leave the Rossoneri were discussed.
For Galatasaray, the agreement represents a significant signing, with the Turkish club securing Leao’s services until 2030. For the player, it marks a move away from Milan and into a new period of his career with the Istanbul side.
The €38m transfer fee and the length of the contract were confirmed in connection with the move. Leao’s explanation for leaving Milan was that he sensed the timing was correct, bringing a concise conclusion to questions about his choice to depart the Italian club.
His first public comments as a Galatasaray player came before the Champions League contest against Sporting CP, giving the Portugal winger an opportunity to address the switch from the Rossoneri to the Turkish club.