Rafael Leao poised to depart AC Milan as Portuguese winger seeks 'fresh challenge'

Speaking to Sport TV, the 26 year old forward was open and left no doubt.

"Personally, I have given everything at AC Milan. It is a club that helped me develop a lot and supported me during difficult moments. Fortunately, I managed to leave my mark on their history. Everyone has ambitions and I dream of a fresh challenge in a new league. If that happens, I will be very happy and fulfilled because I did my job at AC Milan," Leao began, speaking at an event promoting his clothing brand, which was attended by incoming Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda.

When asked whether his preferred destination would be England, Spain or Saudi Arabia, the Milan star chose to concentrate on the 2026 World Cup.

"The most important thing now is the World Cup and helping the national team in any way I can. When the time comes, I will look at the best options to continue my career and keep competing at the top of European football," he said.

Leao wants to bid farewell to Milan after seven seasons of rapid growth, establishing himself as one of the most feared wingers in world football. Arriving at the San Siro in 2019 from Lille, for 35 million euros (£30m) plus Tiago Djalo, the Portuguese international was the key catalyst in winning the Serie A title in 2021/22, a season in which he was crowned the league's MVP.

Over the years, wearing the iconic number 10 shirt, Leao surpassed 200 appearances and wrote his name into Milan's history, scoring more than 50 goals and providing over 40 assists for the club, as well as leading the team to a Champions League semi final in 2023.

The recently concluded 2025/26 season, marked by the failure to qualify for the Champions League, ultimately signalled the definitive end for the Portuguese star.

Despite Milan's collective ups and downs over the past two years and strong interest within the big money market, the forward remained one of the team's main creative and most dangerous attacking threats, but the numbers did not keep coming. This season, he scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 31 matches across all competitions.

At 26, and with his status as a star firmly established at the San Siro, Rafa Leao is looking to leave Milan with a sense of accomplishment and is eager to have his passport stamped for his next big adventure, whether in Europe or Saudi Arabia.