Flash words for Leao: Football is no longer his priority

Igli Tare, who was the sports director of Milan, one of the Italian Serie A teams, in 2025-2026, talked about Rafael Leao, who was transferred to Galatasaray.

"WE WERE ALL EXPECTING MORE"

I knew Rafael Leao personally. When I had the opportunity to meet him in person, I realized that he was a great person and I really liked him, but he was one of those actors that we all expected more from.

"FOOTBALL IS NO LONGER A PRIORITY"

I think at some point football stopped being a priority for him. There were many things in his life other than football: music, fashion...

"HE HAD PHYSICAL PROBLEMS"

But I never doubted his loyalty to Milan. He loved playing for Milan and was upset when things didn't go his way. He also had physical problems and always played with these in mind.

"I FELT YOU WANTED TO PLAY BUT..."

I tried to have more one-on-one conversations with him than with other players, and I left with positive impressions every time. I felt that he really wanted to play, but sometimes this desire alone is not enough.

TRANSFERRED TO 38 MILLION EUROS

Galatasaray paid a transfer fee of 38 million Euros to Milan for Rafael Leao at the beginning of the season. In addition, the yellow-reds will give the Italian representative a 20 percent share of the profit of the next sale.