Kyle Walker Joins AC Milan On Loan Driven By Desire To Experience Playing Abroad

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Kyle Walker has revealed that conversations with former players who regretted not playing abroad influenced his decision to join AC Milan on loan from Manchester City. Walker secured a season-long loan with the Italian club, which includes an option for a permanent move valued at £5 million (€4.2 million). The right-back had seen limited action at Manchester City and was eager for new challenges.

Walker had fallen out of favour at Manchester City following a dip in form. He played in only three of England's six Nations League matches under interim manager Lee Carsley before the year ended. At AC Milan, he is expected to get more playing time, especially with Emerson Royal sidelined for two months due to a calf injury.

Walker expressed his desire to experience playing abroad before retiring. "I could have stayed in Manchester," Walker stated during his unveiling. "But it comes down to challenges where you think, 'okay, I need to try something different'." He added that speaking with ex-players who never moved abroad made him realise the importance of seizing such opportunities.

"If it hadn't been a big club, I'd have stayed with City," Walker continued. "There are certain clubs you can't say no to, and this was the opportunity I wanted." His decision was also driven by a gut feeling that joining AC Milan was the right move.

Since joining Manchester City from Tottenham in 2017, Walker has made 319 appearances and won 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. He nearly joined Bayern Munich after City's European triumph but opted to extend his contract until June 2026 instead.

Walker disclosed that he informed Pep Guardiola about his intention to leave City early in the January transfer window. "When I spoke with Pep, it wasn't a very comfortable conversation mainly because of the respect we have for each other," Walker said. He acknowledged their shared successes at City and expressed hope for more playing time at Milan.

Walker believes Guardiola appreciates what he brings to a team environment. "I like to think he knows what I bring to a dressing room, the atmosphere I create," Walker mentioned. Despite being well-liked at City, he felt he wasn't getting enough game time and hopes for more opportunities at AC Milan.