Kyle Walker will only be able to play for new team AC Milan next month due to regulations introduced after Brexit, it emerged today.
Walker, who flew from Manchester on Thursday and landed in Milan around lunchtime, was stymied by the red tape brought on by the Italians after Britain left the European Union.
It means that a work permit must be obtained if a non-EU national wants to stay in Italy for more than 90 days.
He is expected to undergo a medical in Milan later on Thursday before being unveiled at a press conference at the Rossoneri headquarters in the city.
Italian media reported on Thursday that the deal was almost called off after a 'last minute offer' from Saudi Arabia.
Father-of-four Walker, 34, will initially join on a £4.2million loan, but the deal includes an option for him to remain in Milan permanently until 2027.
According to Italian sources, he would 'probably' stay in Milan until the weekend and meet his new teammates at training on Friday.
But because he does not have the necessary papers and residence permits, he will return to Britain and miss Sunday's match against Parma and next week's Champions League match against Zagreb.
Sources said he would be fine to attend both matches as a 'spectator' but is unlikely to play until all the paperwork is completed.
Italian media depicted Walker leaving Milan's Linate airport in the back of a chauffeured car and waving to supporters who had gathered to greet him.
As he walked through the arrivals hall, he said: “Hello guys” to fans before being led away by Ac Milan officials.
His first match will probably be on February 2 against city rivals Inter, but his arrival was not warmly received by everyone.
Respected Italian sports magazine Gazzetta Dello Sport held a phone with a panellist who said: 'Does Milan really need Walker? He's old, he makes mistakes and he has a complicated private life.'
The ex-Man City player follows in the footsteps of other English players at AC Milan including Jimmy Greaves, Ray Wilkins, Mark Hateley, Luther Blissett, David Beckham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori.
Comments