Kyle Walker has finally broken his silence after completing his loan move from Manchester City to AC Milan.
Walker, 34, who is a six-time Premier League winner with Man City, was confirmed as a Milan player on January 24.
Having made 15 league appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this term, he “expressed an interest” in leaving to pursue a new challenge.
After City’s 8-0 FA Cup third round victory against Salford earlier this month, Guardiola, 54, revealed that Walker “asked to explore the options to play abroad”.
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"We cannot understand [what] the club did these years without Kyle,” said Pep. “It's impossible.
“He's been our right-back, giving us something we didn't have. But now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”
Now the former Tottenham right-back has given his take on the situation in a news conference at AC Milan posted to club's X account.
"I wanted to experience something new, the right time ..." said Walker. "[Zlatan] Ibrahimović has been on the phone a lot, we have great players, directors, I want to show I can make a difference in Italy as well as England.
"It wasn't easy speaking to [Pep] Guardiola, we have a great level of respect. We've won a lot.
“Man City was my family, I think everyone appreciated me for the way I conducted myself.
"But now, my mind is only on AC Milan, I want to learn Italian and win abroad.
"It's fantastic being here at AC Milan; great opportunity, ambitious choice to continue my career.
“I'll bring experience, leadership, and want to contribute by giving a boost.
"There have been highs and lows this season: more consistency needed, discipline, hunger, passion, desire to win. We have to put pressure on ourselves to win.
"The club have shown me ambition, an important project. We won Supercoppa Italiana, that's a good sign, we're doing really well in the UCL, however need to improve in the league.
"With my age and experience, I can lead the youngest. There are other leaders. We'll need to persevere, there's been a change of coach, [Sergio] Conceição has some great ideas about how to build the team: he welcomed me with open arms..."
Milan are next in action away at Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday - Walker cannot take part in fixture.
According to UEFA, "teams remaining in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League are allowed to register a maximum of three new eligible players after the completion of the league phase and before the start of the knockout phase."
Milan are likely to be in the round of 16 and currently sit in an automatic qualification spot in sixth place in the 36-team phase.
Topics: Kyle Walker, AC Milan, Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Luke Davies