New Milan signing Noah Okafor reveals he spoke to Rafael Leao many times before joining the Rossoneri, adding that he learned about interest from the Serie A giants two weeks ago.
Milan have signed Okafor on a permanent transfer worth €13-15m from RB Salzburg.
The Swiss striker had met the Rossoneri in two Champions League group-stage games last season, scoring in the first leg in Austria. He had been seen speaking to Milan star Leao during the match, so Okafor discussed his rapport with the Portuguese striker in his first interview as a Milan player.
“I’ve known him for quite a long. The first time we met was in Switzerland vs. Portugal, then with Milan [against RB Salzburg],” Okafor told Milan TV.
“We started texting, changed jerseys, remained in contact, and sometimes he Facetimed. He’s a good guy, always positive. He always tells me Milan is a great club, where we train with fast players and dribblers, I can’t wait to get on the pitch with him. Not off the pitch like before.
“He said that with my quality and speed in the one vs. one, Italy is a good next step and I feel confident and good to try Milan.”
Okafor has signed a contract until June 2028 at the Stadio Meazza.
“It’s a dream come true, I am really happy to be here, in a big club with a big history behind,” he said.
“I can’t wait to see the fans at San Siro. A few months ago I played against Milan and then a few days ago, like two weeks ago I had the information. I was shocked and really happy. I had a smile on my face, I just wanted Milan and I was happy, finally, I’ve signed now and there is no better feeling.”
The 23-year-old scored 34 goals in 110 games with RB Salzburg. He joined the Austrian side in January 2020 to replace Erling Haaland who had signed for Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
Okafor is Milan’s sixth summer signing after Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Marco Sportiello, Luka Romero and Tijjani Reijnders. He will likely be followed by Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze.
Okafor is now on his way to the USA where he will join his teammates for the Soccer Champions Tour.