Kyle Walker has opted for the number 32 shirt at AC Milan in honour of David Beckham, after completing his loan move from Manchester City.
The 34-year-old has just six months left on his contract with the Premier League champions, making the loan move to Milan with the Serie A side having an option to make it permanent in the summer.
The 93-cap England defender has already started training with his new team, having completed his first move since joining City in 2017.
He joins a group of English players at AC Milan, with Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all at the club, with Abraham helping convince the full-back to make the move.
Walker has also paid tribute to another English star who graced the San Siro, choosing his shirt number in honour of Beckham who had two loan spells at Milan in 2009 and ’10.
‘I chose number 32 for David Beckham,’ Walker said.
‘Tammy told me I should come. He helped me make a decision. The Milan fans here are incredible, hearing them sing, it will be emotional.’
Walker joins a team that has been struggling in Serie A, sitting eighth in the Italian top flight, but he is excited to get started.
‘I’m delighted and proud to sign for AC Milan! A club with such rich history, one I’ve followed since I was a kid. It’s an honour to join and I can’t wait to pull on the Rossoneri shirt and get started,’ he said.
‘I’m very much looking forward to this new chapter in my career and to beginning this journey with my family in Italy.’
The veteran defender also posted a heartfelt tribute to Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola after a wildly successful time at the club which saw him win six Premier League titles.
‘Manchester City… where do I start?’ Walker wrote on social media. ‘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 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.’
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