Kyle Walker gave an emotional farewell to Manchester City fans after completing his move to AC Milan.
Walker, 34, asked the City hierarchy for an exit earlier this month amid a dip in form and eventually joined Milan on loan until the end of the season after flying to Italy on Thursday.
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The full-back may already have rolled credits on his glittering eight-year stint with Man City, as his contract expires in 2026 and the deal includes an option to buy just over £4m.
SunSport also understands that the Serie A giants have agreed a deal that will see them pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.
The England international enjoyed huge success at the Etihad as he won every title available, including six Premier League titles, two FA cups, four league cups and the legendary 2023 Treble.
Walker said: “Manchester City… Where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.
2 years later, winning 17 trophies including the Champions League and the famous Treble is something I could only have dreamed of as a child.
“Playing alongside so many talented 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 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 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 .
“To Annie and my entire family who have been there and supported me on this journey, thank you.
“Finally, 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 continued success in the future. You, Kyle.”
Walker rejected a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia as he still hopes to reach 100 caps for England – with 93 currently under his belt.
It comes after the Sun reported that the right-back is lining up a move to Italy – with long-suffering wife Annie Kilner joining him in a bid to save their marriage.
The couple hope to leave the defender's troubled love life behind and focus on the future.
The couple's four children – Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, Reign, 6, and Baby Rezon – will also make the move from their home in Prestbury, Cheshire.
The news comes after the Sun revealed last year that Walker had fathered a second child with former mistress Lauryn Goodman.
Public apology
Annie, pregnant with Rezon at the time, promised it was the last straw and kicked her husband out.
Subsequently, in an exclusive interview with the Sun, Walker publicly apologized and begged Walker for forgiveness.
The ex-Tottenham star's bombshell request to stop City was revealed after he was left out of the squad for the 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford City earlier this month.
City released the following statement: “Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan until the end of the 2024/25 season, subject to international clearance.
The 34-year-old English defender joined City from Tottenham in the summer of 2017. He has since made 319 appearances for the club over seven and half seasons at the Etihad Stadium, scoring six goals and helping City claim 17 major honours.
“During that time, Walker has been a key part of the City team that has won six Premier League titles, four league cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields in addition to a UEFA Champions League title, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Club statements
“Walker skippered City's latest title Triumphs in 2023/24, helping Pep Guardiola's team to a historic fourth consecutive Premier League crown as well as Super Cup and Club World Cup success that season.
“To date, Walker has also won 93 caps for England, representing the Three Lions at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and helping his country reach the finals at both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 where he was vice-captain.
“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Kyle the best of luck for the rest of the season.”
Milan followed with one of their own as they also revealed Walker's new shirt number.
It read: “AC Milan are delighted to announce the signing of Kyle Andrew Walker from Manchester City FC with an option to buy.
Kyle was born on May 28, 1990, in Sheffield, England. He started his career with Sheffield United and then joined Tottenham Hotspur, making his Premier League debut in March 2010.
In the summer of 2017, he moved to Manchester City. During his time there he made 319 appearances and won 17 trophies. This includes six Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy in 2023.
“Walker made his debut for the England national team in November 2011 and has been capped 93 times.
“For his time with the Rossoneri, Walker has chosen to wear shirt number 32.”
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