Saturday, January 25, 2025 - England defender, Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan from Manchester City on an initial six-month loan, with the Serie A club having the option to buy him permanently this summer.
The 34-year-old asked to leave City earlier in January with
his last appearance for the club coming in the 4-1 home win over West Ham at
the start of the month.
City accepted Milan's formal loan offer on Thursday. The
option to buy in the summer is worth around £4.2m (€5m), according to Sky
in Italy.
Walker departs City having made 319 appearances for the club
across seven-and-half-seasons at the Etihad Stadium, while he captained the
side for last season's historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
The England international will wear the number 32 shirt at
AC Milan, who sit eighth in Serie A and are on course to finish in the top
eight of the Champions League table with Sergio Conceicao's team occupying the
sixth spot.
Walker has helped City win 17 trophies, including six
Premier League titles and the Champions League, since joining the club in a
£50m deal from Tottenham in 2017.
Walker posted a lengthy and emotional statement to his
Instagram page paying tribute to City after his transfer was confirmed, saying
that signing for the club had been a "dream come true".
"Manchester City… where do I start? Signing up for this
incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, winning 17
trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I
could only have dreamt as a child.
"To play alongside so many top players has pushed me to
be the best version of myself, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity I've
had at the Etihad.
"A huge thank you to so many people, the coaching
staff, the kit men, and all the backroom staff who work tirelessly behind the
scenes. You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform
at our best.
"To my teammates, from the moment I walked through the
door, I felt at home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success
we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.
"To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and
working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we've celebrated 17
trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today.
I'll be forever grateful.
"To Annie, our children and all my family who have been
there and supported me on this journey thank you.
"Most importantly, to the fans - thank you for
embracing me as one of your own from day one. Your unwavering support, week in,
week out, home and away, will never be forgotten.
"I wish you all constant success going forward. Thank
you."
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