Kyle Walker completes loan move to AC Milan | OneFootball

AC Milan have officially announced the signing of England international Kyle Walker on a loan deal from Manchester City. The 34-year-old defender joins the Rossoneri until the end of the 2024-25 season, with Milan securing an option to make the move permanent for €5 million.Walker’s move ends an illustrious eight-year stint at Manchester City, during which he lifted 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s side released a statement wishing the defender well, underlining his contribution to the club’s domestic and European dominance.Reports suggest Walker has already agreed on terms for a two-year contract with Milan, contingent on his performances during the loan spell. He will earn €4.5 million per season if the deal becomes permanent, highlighting Milan’s belief in his continued ability.The England international had expressed a desire to experience football abroad before the end of his career, prompting his request to leave. Guardiola revealed that Walker’s decision had been communicated shortly after Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign.Although clubs from the Saudi Pro League showed interest, Walker opted for Milan, citing the appeal of Serie A and the Rossoneri’s storied history. He joins a growing English contingent at the San Siro, which includes Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.Milan have struggled this season, sitting eighth in the Serie A table. However, the recent appointment of Sergio Conceicao as head coach has sparked optimism. Walker’s arrival bolsters a right-back position plagued by injuries, with Emerson Royal sidelined and veterans Davide Calabria and Alessandro Florenzi nearing summer departures.Walker will wear the number 32 shirt and could make his Serie A debut soon. However, it is uncertain whether he will feature in Sunday’s match against Parma.City, meanwhile, have moved quickly to refresh their squad, signing defenders Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov in January. Guardiola reiterated the club’s stance on allowing players to leave if they wish, saying, “You should keep no one who doesn’t want to be here.”Walker’s move offers a fresh challenge as he seeks to extend his playing career and rediscover top form. Milan will hope his leadership and experience can inspire a turnaround in their season.