Soccer

Kyle Walker leaves Manchester City in AC Milan loan switch

The 34-year-old informed City of his wish to leave the club earlier this month.

Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan
Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan (Martin Rickett/PA)
By PA Sport staff

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season.

The deal for the 34-year-old includes an option for the Serie A club to make the move permanent in the summer.

Right-back Walker informed City of his wish to leave the club and seek opportunities abroad earlier this month.

“Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the 2024-25 season, subject to international clearance,” read a statement on City’s website.

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

England international Walker won 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, after moving to the Etihad Stadium in a £45million switch from Tottenham in 2017.

However, he has endured a difficult season and not started a game since City’s 2-1 derby loss to Manchester United on December 15.

Walker, who has made 319 appearances in total for City, was left out of Pep Guardiola’s matchday squad altogether for the club’s last four games.

He posted a lengthy and emotional statement on Instagram after his transfer was confirmed.

“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,” he wrote.

“You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform at our best.

“To my team-mates, 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.”

Milan, who late last month appointed Sergio Conceicao as head coach, sit eighth in Serie A – 19 points adrift of leaders Napoli – ahead of Sunday’s home game against Parma.

Walker joins fellow Englishmen Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham at San Siro.