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 season.
The 34-year-old requested to go away Metropolis earlier in January along with his final look for the membership coming within the 4-1 house win over West Ham at first of the month.
Metropolis accepted Milan’s formal mortgage supply on Thursday. The choice to purchase in the summertime is value round £4.2m (€5m), in response to Sky in Italy.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Paul Merson believes Manchester Metropolis are making a mistake by letting Kyle Walker depart the membership on mortgage
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 on target to complete within the high eight of the Champions League desk with Sergio Conceicao’s occupying sixth spot.
Walker: I will be endlessly grateful to Pep
Walker mentioned he will probably be “forever grateful” to Man Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola, who introduced him to the membership in 2017.
The ex-Sheffield Utd defender posted on Instagram: “Manchester City… where do I start? Signing 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 high gamers has pushed me to be the very best model of myself, and I am really grateful for the chance I’ve had on the Etihad.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Watch Kyle Walker arrive in Milan forward of finishing his transfer to the Serie A aspect
“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 team-mates, from the second I walked via the door I felt at house. Thanks for the nice reminiscences and for all of the success now we have shared collectively. You might be pals, but in addition household for all times.
“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 youngsters and all my household who’ve been there and supported me on this journey thanks.
“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 want you all fixed success going ahead. Thanks.”
Walker certainly one 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 latest 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 costliest defender in English soccer historical past, arriving from Tottenham for a price value greater than £50m together with add-ons.
Guardiola wanted extra power from his full-backs to understand 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 price many instances over.
Learn Ben Ransom’s Reporter Pocket book in full right here.
Switch Centre LIVE! Offers, rumours, information in your telephone 📱
The January switch window is OPEN!
Comply with 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 workforce.
