Portuguese football player Rafael Leao is in Istanbul for transfer talks
Rafael Leao, whom Galatasaray announced it has started negotiations with Milan, was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd at Atatürk Airport.
Portuguese footballer Rafael Leao, whom Galatasaray has begun official negotiations with the Italian club Milan to add to its squad, has arrived in Istanbul to advance the transfer process and was welcomed by the yellow-red fans.
Welcoming Ceremony at Atatürk Airport
27-year-old star footballer Rafael Leao, whose transfer Galatasaray has initiated efforts for, landed at Atatürk Airport General Aviation Terminal around 16:00.
The Portuguese player was welcomed with great enthusiasm in the area where hundreds of yellow-red fans gathered, and a Galatasaray scarf was presented to him.
Emphasis on Osimhen and the Champions League
Making statements after setting foot in Istanbul, Rafael Leao stated that he and Victor Osimhen are good friends and that they will achieve great things together.
He expressed his belief that they will achieve significant success with his new team both in the league and in the Champions League, and that he is very excited about this situation.
Efforts Ongoing Since June
The star player announced that he rejected Aston Villa's offer, and said that the Galatasaray management and agent Gardi have been working intensively for the transfer since June.
Leao voiced that the management pressed forward with great determination to make this deal happen and emphasized that he wants to take to the pitch as soon as possible.
Rich Career Background
The left-winger born in 1999, who grew up in Sporting CP's youth academy, previously played for France's Lille and Italy's Milan in his career.
He achieved the success of winning the Italian Serie A championship with Milan and was selected as the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2021-2022 season.