Kyle Walker wrote a heartfelt note to Annie Kilner, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City team-mates after completing a loan move to AC Milan.
The 34-year-old finalised the move after expressing a desire to leave the Etihad earlier this month, citing a dip in form as one of the reasons for his departure. Walker's loan deal, which runs until the end of the season, includes an option for Milan to buy him for around £4 million. Despite his contract with City running until 2026, the loan arrangement with the buy option hints that his eight-year tenure with the Premier League champions may have come to an end.
The Serie A side will cover the majority of Walker’s £150,000 weekly wages as part of the agreement. Reports suggest that the full-back turned down multiple offers from other clubs and chose Milan due to their willingness to offer him a two-year contract, contingent on his performances over the next few months.
WHAT WALKER SAID
Before leaving for Italy, Walker expressed his gratitude for the seven years he spent at the Etihad, where he immensely contributed to an era of unparalleled success.
“Manchester City… where do I start?” Walker wrote. "Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.
"To play alongside so many top players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I’m truly grateful f for the opportunity I’ve 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 at home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.
To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful. To Annie, our children and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.
Most importantly, 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 constant success going forward."
