Former Milan sporting director says Rafael Leao put music ahead of football

Former Milan sporting director Igli Tare says Rafael Leao’s priorities had shifted away from football, with the Portugal forward placing greater focus on music, fashion and other interests.

“Football was no longer Rafael Leao’s priority. He was focusing more on music, fashion and other things,” Tare told Sky Sport Italia.

Leao released a music album last year and left Milan for Galatasaray during the previous summer transfer window in a deal worth 38m euros.

Tare said Leao was the Milan player with whom he held the most meetings, while acknowledging that the 27-year-old wanted to achieve something significant during his time at the club.

“Leao was the player I had the most complicated meetings with, and I felt that he wanted to do something great,” Tare said. “But wanting something alone is not enough.”

Leao spent seven years at Milan, winning Serie A and the Italian Super Cup during his time at the club. He was also named Serie A’s best player for the 2021-22 season.

The forward made 291 appearances for Milan, scoring 80 goals and providing 65 assists before his move to Galatasaray.

Leao has played 11 matches for Galatasaray this season, scoring twice and registering two assists.