Kyle Walker has thanked Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola in a message on the identical evening because the England defender accomplished his mortgage transfer to AC Milan for the remainder of the season.
Six-time Premier League winner Walker referred to as his Metropolis team-mates “household for all times” and expressed his gratitude to his spouse, Annie Kilner, and Cityzens followers after finishing his swap to the Italian membership, who’ve an choice to purchase on the finish of the marketing campaign.
“To Pep Guardiola, thanks for believing in me and dealing so onerous to convey me right here in 2017,” Walker mentioned, recalling his £50 million transfer to Metropolis from Tottenham in as a part of an Instagram put up soundtracked by Fleetwood Mac’s ‘All over the place’.
“Collectively, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your steerage has helped form me into the participant I’m at the moment. I’ll be without end grateful.
“An enormous thanks to so many individuals: the teaching workers, the kitmen and all of the backroom workers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. You make each day fulfilling and supply the platform for us to carry out at our greatest.”
Kyle Walker needs Metropolis ‘fixed success’
Walker referred to as his time at Etihad Stadium “a dream come true” and mentioned being a part of the dominant drive in English soccer during the last seven seasons had “pushed me to be the perfect model of myself”.
“To my team-mates, from the second I walked via the door, I felt at house,” added the 34-year-old, who will wear the number 32 shirt on the San Siro.
“Thanks for the nice reminiscences and for all of the success now we have shared collectively. You’re pals, but in addition household for all times.
“To Annie, our kids and all my household who’ve been there and supported me on this journey, thanks. Most significantly, to the followers — thanks for embracing me as considered one of your personal from day one.
“Your unwavering help, week in, week out, house and away, won’t ever be forgotten. I want you all fixed success going ahead.”
When might Walker debut for Milan?
Walker made 319 appearances for Metropolis and received the Champions League as a part of a treble in 2022/23. The 93-cap veteran might make his Milan debut at house to Parma on Sunday (11.30am GMT).
“[It’s] a membership with such wealthy historical past – one I’ve adopted since I used to be a child,” mentioned Walker, altering his social media profile image to considered one of himself in Milan’s well-known pink and black house colors.
“It’s an honour to hitch and I can’t wait to drag on the Rossoneri shirt and get began. I’m very a lot wanting ahead to this new chapter in my profession and to starting this journey with my household in Italy.”
Walker leaves Metropolis
Walker final performed for Metropolis of their 4-1 home win over West Ham on January 4, telling Guardiola he wanted to move abroad after the sport.
Reigning champions Metropolis are 12 factors behind leaders Liverpool in fifth place after a run of six defeats and 4 wins in 13 league video games since November.
Milan, who appointed Sergio Conceicao as boss on December 30 following the sacking of Paulo Fonseca, are eighth in Serie A and on the right track to mechanically attain the Champions League spherical of 16, sitting seven factors above Metropolis within the standings.