Kyle Walker has left Manchester Metropolis and joined AC Milan on an preliminary six-month mortgage, with the Serie A membership having an possibility to purchase him completely this summer time.
The 34-year-old requested to depart Metropolis earlier in January together with his final look for the membership coming within the 4-1 house win over West Ham initially of the month.
Metropolis accepted Milan’s formal mortgage provide on Thursday. The choice to purchase in the summertime is value round £4.2m (€5m), based on Sky in Italy.
Walker has helped Metropolis win 17 trophies, together with six Premier League titles and the Champions League, since becoming a member of the membership in a £50m deal from Tottenham in 2017.
He was near becoming a member of Bayern Munich after Metropolis’s treble win in 2023, however signed a contract extension to maintain him on the membership till 2026.
Walker departs Metropolis having made 319 appearances for the membership throughout seven-and-half-seasons on the Etihad Stadium, whereas he captained the aspect for final season’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
The England worldwide will put on the quantity 32 shirt at AC Milan, who sit eighth in Serie A and are heading in the right direction to complete within the high eight of the Champions League desk with Sergio Conceicao’s occupying sixth spot.
Walker: I will be eternally grateful to Pep
Walker stated he can be “eternally grateful” to Man Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola, who introduced him to the membership in 2017.
The ex-Sheffield Utd defender posted on Instagram: “Manchester Metropolis… the place do I begin? Signing for this unimaginable membership in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, profitable 17 trophies, together with the Champions League and the well-known treble is one thing I might solely have dreamt as a baby.
“To play alongside so many high gamers has pushed me to be one of the best model of myself, and I am actually grateful for the chance I’ve had on the Etihad.
Watch Kyle Walker arrive in Milan forward of finishing his transfer to the Serie A aspect
“An enormous thanks to so many individuals, the teaching workers, the equipment males and all of the backroom workers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. You make day by day pleasurable and supply the platform for us to carry out at our greatest.
“To my team-mates, from the second I walked by way of the door I felt at house. Thanks for the good recollections and for all of the success we have now shared collectively. You’re mates, but in addition household for all times.
“To Pep Guardiola, thanks for believing in me and dealing so arduous to carry me right here in 2017. Collectively, we have celebrated 17 trophies, and your steering has helped form me into the participant I’m as we speak. I will be eternally grateful.
“To Annie, our kids and all my household who’ve been there and supported me on this journey thanks.
“Most significantly, to the followers – thanks for embracing me as one in every of your personal from day one. Your unwavering assist, week in, week out, house and away, won’t ever be forgotten.
“I want you all fixed success going ahead. Thanks.”
Walker one in every of Pep’s most trusted – however time catches up with everybody
Sky Sports activities Information reporter Ben Ransom:
By the tip of his first season in cost, Pep Guardiola had realised that it could take an enormous overhaul of the Manchester Metropolis squad to win the trophies he’d been introduced in to ship.
Ten common first-team gamers have been proven the exit door in the summertime of 2017 and a raft of recent expertise was introduced in to pave the best way for an period of home dominance.
Central to that was the signing of Kyle Walker, who on the time was the most costly defender in English soccer historical past, arriving from Tottenham for a payment value greater than £50m together with add-ons.
Guardiola wanted extra power from his full-backs to grasp his imaginative and prescient, and Walker was seen to be the right improve on fan-favourite Pablo Zabaleta, who was launched on the age of 32.
Eyebrows have been raised on the time, however within the seven-and-a-half years since, Walker has repaid that switch payment many instances over.
Learn Ben Ransom’s Reporter Pocket book in full right here.
Switch Centre LIVE! Offers, rumours, information in your cellphone 📱
The January switch window is OPEN!
Observe all the newest offers, information and rumours on the ‘Transfers’ part of the Sky Sports activities app!
In search of information about YOUR membership? Discover devoted switch pages for EVERY Premier League staff.
