Kyle Walker says that speaking with former players who regret that they have spent their entire career in England motivated him to use AC Milan from Manchester City.
Walker joined the Rossoneri last week for a seasonal loan agreement, in which the Serie A-giants had an option to make the deal permanent for € 5 million (£ 4.2 million).
The right back had fallen out of grace in the Etihad Stadium after passing a decrease in the form, while he only played in three of the Six Nations League matches of England under interim boss Lee Carsley for the year of the year .
Walker should have regular minutes in San Siro, with Milan's first choice right back Emerson Royal with two months on the sidelines after a calf injury.
Although that was a consideration that Walker weighed before he made the move, he also wanted him to play abroad before the end of his career.
“I could have stayed in Manchester, I would have honored the contract if they didn't let me leave because I am as a person,” Walker said on his unveiling on Monday.
“But it comes down to challenges where you think:” Okay, I have to try something else. ”
“I spoke with many ex-players who have never moved abroad and told me that they wish they had.
“If it hadn't been a big club, I would have stayed with the city. There are certain clubs that you can't say no to, and this was the chance I wanted, I had a gut feeling.”
Just a touch of red-n-black at our via Dante flagship store #sempremilan pic.twitter.com/akoqla0v7o
– AC Milan (@acmilan) January 27, 2025
Walker made 319 performances for City after arrival from Tottenham in 2017 and won 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023.
He was almost at Bayern Munich in the aftermath of the European success of the city, only to donate a contract extension to walk until June 2026.
Walker told city boss Pep Guardiola about his desire to leave Etihad at the start of the January transfer window, and he says it was an uncomfortable conversation.
“When I spoke with Pep, it was not a very comfortable conversation – mainly because of the respect we have done,” he said.
“What he won in Manchester City, I also won it. I like to think he knows what I bring in a dressing room, the atmosphere I make.
“I would like to think that I liked and helped everyone to insert. But it didn't go well there, and I didn't play enough football. Hopefully I can play a little more here.”
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