Rafael Leão has brought the curtain down on his AC Milan career, confirming in an interview with Sport TV that he is ready to pursue a new challenge away from the San Siro.

The Portuguese forward, who joined the club from Lille in 2019, spoke candidly about his time in Milan. "Personally, I've given everything I had at AC Milan. It was a club that helped me grow a lot, supported me in tough times. Fortunately, I managed to make my mark in its history," he said.

Leão made clear that ambition, not discontent, is driving his decision. "Everyone has challenges they aspire to, and I aspire to a new challenge in a new league. If that happens, I'll be very happy and fulfilled because I did my job at AC Milan."

World Cup focus first

When asked to name his preferred destination — England, Spain, or Saudi Arabia — Leão deflected, choosing to centre his attention on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Portugal. "The most important thing now is the World Cup and helping the national team in any way I can," he said. "When that moment comes, I'll study the best options to continue my career and keep competing at the top of European football."

A legacy sealed in red and black

Leão's seven seasons at the San Siro produced some of the most electric moments in recent AC Milan history. He was a driving force behind the club's 2021/22 Serie A title triumph — their first in over a decade — and was crowned the division's MVP that campaign.

With his exit now confirmed in all but formality, transfer speculation is already gathering pace. AC Milan are reportedly prepared to sanction a sale, though they are holding firm on a minimum fee of €70 million. Bayern Munich and Barcelona are among the clubs said to be monitoring the situation closely.