Kyle Walker has officially joined AC Milan on loan from Manchester City, donning the number 32 shirt as a tribute to David Beckham.
The 34-year-old defender, who has just six months left on his Manchester City contract, could make the switch permanent this summer as Milan retains that option.
Walker, capped 93 times for England, has already begun training with his new team, marking his first transfer since joining City in 2017.
He is joining a growing contingent of English players at AC Milan, including Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. According to Walker, Abraham played a pivotal role in convincing him to make the move to Serie A.
“Tammy told me I should come, and he helped me decide. The fans here are incredible, and hearing them sing will be emotional,” Walker shared. The veteran defender expressed his pride in joining a club with such a storied history.
“I’ve followed AC Milan since I was a kid. It’s an honor to wear the Rossoneri shirt, and I’m excited to begin this chapter of my career in Italy with my family.”
Walker’s choice of number 32 pays homage to Beckham, who wore the same number during his two loan stints at Milan in 2009 and 2010.
Reflecting on his former club, Manchester City, Walker posted a heartfelt farewell on social media, expressing gratitude for the seven years he spent at the Etihad.
“Signing for Manchester City in 2017 was a dream come true. Winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the treble, was beyond anything I imagined as a child,” Walker wrote.
He thanked Pep Guardiola for shaping him into the player he is today, along with his teammates, coaching staff, and City fans for their unwavering support.
Despite AC Milan’s current struggles, sitting eighth in Serie A, Walker is eager to contribute to the team’s resurgence. “I’m ready to give everything for this club,” he declared.