Leo dreams of leaving AC Milan: I want to embrace new challenges in a new league.

Rafael Leão made it clear on Saturday that he hopes to leave AC Milan this summer.

The 26-year-old Leão came through the youth academy of Sporting Lisbon and made his first-team debut in the Portuguese league on February 12, 2018. He transferred to Lille in August of the same year, and in 2019 he was signed by AC Milan for €49.5 million.

During his time at AC Milan, Leão gradually developed into one of the most dangerous wingers in football today. To date, he has made 291 appearances for Milan, scoring 80 goals and providing 65 assists, winning the Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup with the team.

However, Leão has now decided to end his seven-year stint with AC Milan. In an interview with Sporting CP, he stated frankly: "I believe I have given everything for Milan. The club helped me grow a lot and always supported me during difficult times. I am happy to have my name etched in the club's history. Everyone has their own dreams, challenges, desires, and goals to achieve, and so do I. I want to embrace new challenges in a new league. If it all comes true, I will be very happy and fulfilled because I have done my duty for Milan."

Leo later added that his current priority is the Portuguese national team's World Cup campaign: "The most important thing right now is the World Cup, and I will do my best to help the national team. When the time is right, I will evaluate the most suitable option to continue my career and continue to compete in the top European leagues."

As an indispensable member of Portugal's forward line in recent years, Leão has contributed 5 goals and 7 assists in 43 international matches to date. He also represented Portugal in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship, and won the UEFA Nations League title in 2025.

In any case, there is currently no indication that Leo has finalized his next club. He has been linked with several clubs in recent months, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr.

Image source: Internet