Kyle Walker shares emotional 250-word statement as he confirms Man City exit as he thanks Pep, fans… and Annie Kilner

KYLE WALKER issued an emotional farewell to Manchester City fans after completing his move to AC Milan.

Walker, 34, asked the City hierarchy for an exit earlier this month amid a dip in form and ultimately joined Milan on loan until the end of the season after flying out to Italy on Thursday.

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The full-back may have already rolled credits on his glittering eight-year stint with Man City as his contract runs out in 2026 and the deal includes an option to buy worth just over £4million.

SunSport also understand that the Serie A giants have agreed a deal that will see them pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.

The England international enjoyed tremendous success at the Etihad as he won every title available, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the legendary 2023 Treble.

Walker said: “Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.

2Seven 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 talented 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 and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.

“Lastly, 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. Thank you, Kyle.”

Walker rejected a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia because he still hopes to reach 100 caps for England – with 93 currently under his belt.

It comes after The Sun reported the right-back is lining up a move to Italy — with long-suffering wife Annie Kilner due to join him in a bid to save their marriage.

The couple hope to leave behind the defender’s tangled love life and focus on the future.

The pair’s four kids — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, Reign, 6, and baby Rezon — will also make the move from their home in Prestbury, Cheshire.

The news comes after The Sun revealed last year that Walker had fathered a second child with former mistress Lauryn Goodman.

Public apology

Annie, pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it was the last straw and kicked her husband out.

Then, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Walker ­publicly apologised and begged for forgiveness.

The ex-Tottenham star’s bombshell request to quit City was revealed after he was left out of the squad ahead of ­the 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford City earlier this month.

City issued the following statement: “Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season, subject to international clearance.

“The 34-year-old England defender joined City from Tottenham in the summer of 2017. He has since gone on to make 319 appearances for the Club across seven and half seasons at the Etihad Stadium, scoring six goals and helping City claim 17 major honours.

“During that time Walker has been a key part of the City squad that has won six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields alongside a UEFA Champions League title, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Club statements

“Walker was skipper for the latest of City’s title triumphs in 2023/24, helping lead Pep Guardiola’s squad to an historic fourth consecutive Premier League crown and also led City to Super Cup and Club World Cup success that season too.

“To date, Walker has also won 93 caps for England, representing the Three Lions at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups as well as helping his country reach the finals at both EURO 2020 and EURO 2024 where he was vice-captain.

“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Kyle the very best of luck for the rest of the season.”

Milan followed with one of their own as they also revealed Walker’s new shirt number.

It read: “AC Milan is pleased to announce the loan signing of Kyle Andrew Walker from Manchester City FC, with an option to buy.

“Kyle was born on 28 May 1990, in Sheffield, England. He started his career at Sheffield United and then joined Tottenham Hotspur, making his Premier League debut in March 2010.

“In the summer of 2017, he moved to Manchester City. During his time there, he played 319 matches and won 17 trophies. This includes six Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy in 2023.

“Walker debuted for the English national team in November 2011 and has been capped 93 times.

“For his time with the Rossoneri, Walker has chosen to wear shirt number 32.”