Rafael Leão, the Portuguese forward who left Sporting in 2019 to move to Lille and later to AC Milan, publicly expressed the affection he still holds for the green and white club. His statements came in the context of Galatasaray's visit to Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting's home, where the Turkish team was preparing to face the Portuguese side.
The player arrived at Galatasaray in August from AC Milan, in a transfer that involved a significant fee. After the move to Istanbul, Leão suffered a minor injury that temporarily sidelined him, but he recovered and showed himself ready to help his new team.
In what was a UEFA Champions League away match against Sporting Lisbon, Rafael Leão demonstrated professionalism by respecting the emotions of the Sporting fans. The forward acknowledged the special bonds that connect him to the club where he developed, and stated he understands the feelings of the supporters who supported him during the first years of his career.
