Kyle Walker has thanked Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in a message on the same night as the England defender completed his loan move to AC Milan for the rest of the season.
Six-time Premier League winner Walker called his City team-mates “family for life” and expressed his gratitude to his wife, Annie Kilner, and Cityzens fans after completing his switch to the Italian club, who have an option to buy at the end of the campaign.
“To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017,” Walker said, recalling his £50 million move to City from Tottenham in as part of an Instagram post soundtracked by Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Everywhere’.
“Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful.
“A huge thank you to so many people: the coaching staff, the kitmen 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.”
Kyle Walker wishes City ‘constant success’
Walker called his time at Etihad Stadium “a dream come true” and said being part of the dominant force in English football over the last seven seasons had “pushed me to be the best version of myself”.
“To my team-mates, from the moment I walked through the door, I felt at home,” added the 34-year-old, who will wear the number 32 shirt at the San Siro.
“Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.
“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.”
When could Walker debut for Milan?
Walker made 319 appearances for City and won the Champions League as part of a treble in 2022/23. The 93-cap veteran could make his Milan debut at home to Parma on Sunday (11.30am GMT).
“[It’s] a club with such rich history – one I’ve followed since I was a kid,” said Walker, changing his social media profile picture to one of himself in Milan’s famous red and black home colours.
“It’s an honour to join and I can’t wait to pull on the Rossoneri shirt and get started. I’m very much looking forward to this new chapter in my career and to beginning this journey with my family in Italy.”
Walker leaves City
Walker last played for City in their 4-1 home win over West Ham on January 4, telling Guardiola he wanted to move abroad after the game.
Reigning champions City are 12 points behind leaders Liverpool in fifth place after a run of six defeats and four wins in 13 league games since November.
Milan, who appointed Sergio Conceicao as boss on December 30 following the sacking of Paulo Fonseca, are eighth in Serie A and on course to automatically reach the Champions League round of 16, sitting seven points above City in the standings.
