Portugal winger Rafael Leao bid an emotional farewell to AC Milan amid reports he is close to joining Turkish side Galatasaray, saying the decision was difficult but that he would always remain part of the Rossoneri's history.

It was a blockbuster drama that may have been headlined by the icons, but was ultimately decided by an ensemble of supporting cast.

AC Milan moved top of the Serie A standings with a 1-0 win away to Cagliari on Friday where Rafael Leao's second-half goal earned the visitors all three points despite a far from impressive performance.

Portugal winger Leao netted his third goal in as many league matches in the eighth minute at a sodden San Siro to move Milan up to second on 12 points from five games

Milan have also reportedly inserted a release clause of 175 million euros which can only be exercised during a summer transfer window.

Rafael Leao misses out on the first leg of AC Milan's Champions League semi-final with Inter Milan after not recovering from a thigh injury in time for Wednesday's match.

On a high from helping to set up a Milan derby Champions League semi-final with an incredible assist for tie-winner Olivier Giroud on Tuesday night, Leao headed his team in front in the 40th minute at the San Siro before slinking his way past two Lecce defenders and rolling home the second with 18 minutes remaining