Italian media make their feelings clear on Kyle Walker after he makes AC Milan debut against Inter Milan

Kyle Walker made his much-anticipated debut for AC Milan in their 1-1 draw against Inter on Sunday night – and large sections of the Italian media came to the same conclusion.

The 34-year-old Manchester City captain has joined Sergio Conceicao's side on a six-month loan deal that includes an option to stay at the San Siro permanently.

Speaking about his decision to join the Rossoneri, Walker admitted he left the Etihad to seek more game time.

“When I spoke with Pep [Guardiola], it wasn’t a very comfortable conversation – mainly because of the respect we have for each other," the England international said in a press conference.

“What he’s won at Manchester City, I’ve won it, too. I like to think he knows what I bring to a dressing room, the atmosphere I create. City was my family – from the cooks to the cleaners, the kit men and physios."

Walker added: "I like to think I was liked and helped everyone blend in. But things weren’t going well there and I wasn’t playing enough football. Hopefully I can play a bit more here.”

The experienced full-back was thrown straight into Conceicao's starting line-up for the Serie A clash against Inter Milan alongside Fikayo Tomori, Strahinja Pavlovic and Theo Hernandez.

And he impressed after playing the full game, completing 47 out of a possible 51 passes – as well as winning four out of six duels.

Walker's performance impressed many, including Football Italia contributor Matt Santangelo, who said his leadership and steadiness was "refreshing" to see.

"Kyle Walker’s introduced himself quite well to the fans on his Milan debut," he said after the full-time whistle. "There is just that calm, experience and pedigree that he’s attained over a long successful career."

Santangelo added: "He may have lost a step, but his leadership and steadiness in a debut derby has been refreshing."

Another Football Italia contributor @caquino_ was also full of praise for Walker, saying: "Unreal performance by Kyle Walker today. Nice to have a proper right-back for the first time since Cafu."

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Martino Puccio, who has worked for The Athletic and Peacock, added: "Kyle Walker looks so good for someone that has supposedly stunk according to many of you."

Speaking after making his debut, Walker reflected on his Milan debut.

“It’s an honour to make my debut for Milan," he said. "It was frustrating to not get the three points but I'm confident we will get many more. Thank you so much for the fantastic support, not just today but since I signed.”

Walker added: “The feeling from the game is good, the result less so – it could have been better. Conceding so close to the end. We have to take the point and move forward, it is important not to give up now. We have to build on this game and take the momentum to improve and move up the standings."

Thoughts on his debut? Let us know in the comments.