Manchester City Defender Kyle Walker Joins AC Milan On Loan With Option To Buy

Kyle Walker, an England defender, has joined AC Milan on a six-month loan from Manchester City, with the Serie A club having the option of signing him permanently this summer.

The 34-year-old requested to leave City earlier in January, with his last appearance coming in the club’s 4-1 home triumph over West Ham at the beginning of the month. City agreed to Milan’s formal loan offer on Thursday.

According to Sky in Italy, the option to buy this summer is worth approximately £4.2 million (€5 million).

Walker leaves City after 319 appearances in seven and a half seasons at the Etihad Stadium, including captaining the club to a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title last season.

The England international will wear the number 32 shirt for AC Milan, who are eighth in Serie A and on track to finish in the top eight of the Champions League table, with Sergio Conceicao’s club in sixth place.

Walker has helped City win 17 trophies, including six Premier League crowns and the Champions League, since arriving from Tottenham for £50 million in 2017.

After his deal was finalized, Walker made a lengthy and emotional statement on his Instagram page thanking City, stating 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.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli