Kyle Walker thanked Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in a message on the same evening as the England defender completed his loan move to AC Milan for the remainder of the season.
Six-time Premier League winner Walker called his City teammates “Family for Life” and expressed his gratitude to his wife, Annie Kilner, and Cityzens fans after completing his time at the Italian club, who has the option to buy at the end of the campaign.
“To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to get me here in 2017,” Walker said, remembering his £50m move to Tottenham as part of an Instagram soundtrack Post by Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Everywhere’.
“Together we celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance helped shape me into the player I am today. I will 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 do our best. »
Kyle Walker wants city to be ‘consistently successful’
Walker called his time at the Etihad Stadium “a dream come true” and said being part of the dominant force in English football over the past seven seasons had “pushed me to be the best version of myself”.
“To my teammates, from the moment I walked in the door I felt at home,” the 34-year-old added, who will wear shirt number 32 at the San Siro.
“Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we 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 after week, at home and away, will never be forgotten. I wish you all continued success in the future.
When could Walker debut for Milan?
Walker has made 319 appearances for City and won the Champions League as part of a treble in 2022/23. The 93-year-old veteran could make his Milan debut at home to Parma on Sunday (11:30 GMT).
“[It’s] A club with such a rich history – one that I have followed since I was a child,” Walker said, changing his social media profile picture to one of him in the famous red and black house colors of Milan.
“It’s an honor to join and I can’t wait to pull on the Rossoneri shirt and get started. I can’t wait to see this new chapter in my career and start this journey with my family in Italy. »
Walker leaves town
Walker last played for City in their 4-1 home win over West Ham January 4 Telling Guardiola he wanted to move abroad After the match.
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 dismissal of Paulo Fonseca, are eighth in Serie A and on course to automatically reach the Champions League round, 16 points, sitting seven points behind at – above the city in the ranking.
