Kyle Walker has revealed that Tammy Abraham was crucial to his AC Milan move after choosing a shirt number inspired by an English icon.
The Manchester City captain completed a move to the San Siro earlier this week after putting pen to paper on a loan deal until the end of the season. There is a prospect of a permanent movement once it comes to an end.
It brings to an end a hugely successful spell at the Etihad Stadium in which Walker won 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. And he will now play alongside English colleagues Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori in Italy.
Walker has now revealed that the striker was crucial in convincing him to pick the Serie A Giants, while also explaining his shirt number selection. Speaking to Italian media, Walker said: “Tammy (Abraham) told me I had to come. He helped me make a decision.
“The Milan fans here are incredible, hearing them sing, it will be emotional. I chose number 32 for David Beckham. “
And although Walker has already selected the shirt number he will don at the San Siro, he is being made to wait for his debut. The 34-year-old is required to obtain a work permit to remain in Italy which will delay his AC Milan bow until next month.
Walker's new side take on Parma on Sunday before a Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb next week. In the meantime, Walker has said an emotional farewell to Man City.
Taking to social media he wrote: “Manchester City… Where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later he won 17 trophies including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could have only dreamed of as a child.
“Playing alongside so many top players has pushed me to be the best version of myself and I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have had at the Etihad. A huge thank you to so many people, the coaching staff, the Kitmen and all the backroom -employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
“To my teammates, from the moment I walked through the door I felt like home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.
“To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to get me here in 2017. Together we celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance helped me become the player I am today. I will be forever grateful .”
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