Kyle Walker Breaks Silence After Completing AC Milan Loan Move From Manchester City

Kyle Walker has sent a message to Manchester City fans after completing his move to AC Milan on an initial loan.

The 34-year-old is currently on a three-year contract with Etihad, which he signed in 2023 and has 18 months remaining.

However, this season has been challenging for him, as he has faced struggles with form and fitness, resulting in him losing his starting position to Rico Lewis.

AC Milan is reportedly considering a loan for Walker, with an option to purchase him permanently at the end of the loan period for approximately £4.2 million.

Earlier this month, the right back asked City for the opportunity to leave and has found his exit route in Italy.

After City and Milan agreed on the terms of the loan on Thursday, Walker traveled for a medical and was unveiled on Friday ahead of his new side’s Serie A fixture with Parma on Sunday.

He will wear the number 32 shirt at Milan and the move remains subject to international clearance.

Pep Guardiola has stayed tight-lipped on the situation as Walker, speaking on Friday afternoon at his press conference ahead of the weekend game with Chelsea, simply said, “It is what it is.”

Walker, in a message posted on Instagram upon his exit, said, “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. 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 City statement confirming the news read, “Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season, subject to international clearance. The 34-year-old England defender joined City from Tottenham in the summer of 2017.

“He has since gone on to make 319 appearances for the Club across seven and half seasons at the Etihad Stadium, scoring six goals and helping City claim 17 major honors.

“During that time Walker has been a key part of the City squad that has won six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields alongside a UEFA Champions League title, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

“Walker was skipper for the latest of City’s title triumphs in 2023/24, helping lead Pep Guardiola’s squad to a historic fourth consecutive Premier League crown and also led City to Super Cup and Club World Cup success that season too.

“To date, Walker has also won 93 caps for England, representing the Three Lions at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as helping his country reach the finals at both EURO 2020 and EURO 2024, where he was vice-captain.

“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Kyle the very best of luck for the rest of the season.”