Leao prepares for Milan departure

The latest interview held by Rafael Leao gives an indication that the Portuguese attacker is prepared to leave AC Milan.

 Leao has not hidden the fact that he wishes to leave the club in the near future.

In his latest interview, the attacker said he has ‘given everything I have’ and that he wants a ‘new challenge in a new league’. 

Due to his inconsistent form, there has been widespread uncertainty for the Rossoneri, who are currently without a head coach, sporting director, technical director, or CEO.

This has led to growing reports that several of their star players, including Leao, Luka Modric, and Adrien Rabiot, could leave as well. 

Leao, who won the league’s MVP award in 2021-22, has been with the San Siro outfit for seven seasons. The former Scudetto winner has failed to impress after being moved from the left wing to more of a centre-forward role under Massimiliano Allegri in 2025-26. 

Having failed to qualify for the money-spinning tournament, there have been indications in Italy that this may be the right time for Leao to depart. 

Having not hidden that he would like to play in a different league away from Serie A at some stage of his career, this could be the right time for the Portugal international to leave and fulfil his dream.

In his interview with Sport TV (via Sky), he said that he wishes to continue playing ‘at the highest levels in Europe’ but has yet to confirm whether he will definitely be leaving Milan this summer.

Having made it clear that he intends to play elsewhere at some stage in the near future, some top clubs are expected to make inquiries and could cash in on the fact that his market value has dropped.

“Personally, I think I’ve already given everything I have in Milan. It’s a club that helped me to grow, that supported me in difficult moments, and fortunately, I’ve also managed to write my name in Rossoneri history. 

“I think that everyone has dreams, ambitions, challenges to face. I aspire to have a new challenge in a new league. And if that were to happen, I’d be very happy. Also, because I know I did a good job at Milan.”

With the 2026 World Cup on his mind, Leao is focusing on that first before sorting out his future. 

Milan will also be hoping he has a good World Cup so that they can get at least a huge sum from his sale.

“I want to have a  good World Cup and to help my national team. And then, when the time comes, I will study the best options for the future of my career, to continue competing at the highest level in Europe,” he added.