AC Milan have announced the signing of defender Kyle Walker on loan from Manchester City.
The 34-year-old asked to leave the Citizens earlier this month, with manager Pep Guardiola revealing that he was keen to 'explore options abroad'.
A possible switch to the Saudi Pro League was initially mooted, but it became clear that Walker was looking to continue his career in Europe and Milan quickly emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
Walker, whose last appearance for Man City came in the 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United on January 4, travelled to Italy on Tuesday for talks with Milan, before the Citizens accepted the Rossoneri's formal loan bid on Thursday.
The 93-cap England international will remain with Milan until the end of the season, but Milan are understood to possess an option to buy the defender in the summer for €5m (£4.2m).
Walker completed his medical on Thursday and Milan unveiled their latest signing on Friday evening, with the defender handed the No.32 shirt.
Walker pays tribute to Guardiola after joining Milan
Walker has since taken to Instagram to thank everyone associated with Man City, including Guardiola who has 'shaped him into the player he is today'.
His post read: "Manchester City... where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.
"To play alongside so many top players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity I've had at the Etihad.
"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. You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform at our best.
"To my teammates, 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.
"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. Thank you."
New Defender alert 🔴⚫
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 24, 2025
Welcome, @kylewalker2! 🛡️#SempreMilan #DNACMilan
Walker leaves Man City as a club legend
Walker joined Man City from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £50m in the summer of 2017 and went on to establish himself as one of the best right-backs in world football during the prime years of his career.
He played a significant role in Man City's success, winning a total of 17 trophies including six Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups and two Community Shields, as well as lifting the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Walker was a key member of the Citizens side that won a historic treble in 2023 and just a few months later admitted that he came "close" to joining Bayern Munich that summer, shortly before opting to extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2026.
The experienced defender captained Man City to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, but he has looked increasingly vulnerable this term, particularly during a period when Man City were collectively struggling towards the end of last year, and his error-strewn performances came under much scrutiny from Citizens supporters.
Once known for his blistering pace, Walker appears to have lost his speed this season and by his own admission was beaten 'fair and square' in a foot race with Fulham's Adama Traore in October. Spurs' Timo Werner and Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma are among a number of other wingers who have got the better of the right-back this season.
Walker will now embark on a fresh challenge in Italy and leaves Man City having made 319 appearances across all competitions, including 11 starts in 18 outings this term.
Milan's latest signing becomes the fourth English member of Sergio Conceicao's squad, joining Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori, and he could make his debut for the Serie A giants in Sunday's home encounter with Parma.
Oliver Thomas
