"I want the bonus." Sorry? "The bonus, for the Champions League." During negotiations with Milan, Kyle Walker requested a bonus for the prestigious cup, and he wasn’t referring to qualifying for the next edition. He was asking for a reward for winning the eighth Champions League title.
Sometimes the world needs to be read in its details, and this says something. In the chaotic Milan of recent months, with seven teams ahead in the league and the curva criticising the ownership, Walker aimed high, higher than anyone could imagine. That's ambition.
His debut at the derby?
Yesterday, Walker was officially announced by Milan, but everyone had known for days. He arrives on a free loan with an option to buy for €5 million. He will earn €4.5 million per season, making him one of the club's highest-paid players. His entry into Milan’s world is, let’s say, soft. Kyle spent yesterday at the Centro Ambrosiano for his medical and also visited Milanello, though he didn’t train. He met his new teammates, saw the training grounds, and got acquainted with a legendary facility he had always heard about. Unsurprisingly, he said, “I’m happy and proud to sign for Milan. A club with such a rich history, one I’ve followed since I was a child.”
Milan has outlined its plans: Walker is expected at the stadium tomorrow to watch the match against Parma, after which he’ll return to England briefly. He’ll be back in Italy on Tuesday, though, of course, he won’t be able to play in Zagreb in the Champions League. For the first phase, he remains registered with City. His first game for Milan will be a prestigious one: the derby, Sunday, February 2.
Walker will need to prove he’s ready immediately, that he still has the bursts of his prime, or at least last season.
The slower pace of Serie A compared to the Premier League will help. However, it remains to be seen how well he adapts to working with Conceição, who has a very different tactical approach and philosophy from Guardiola.
Kyle will need to defend more in his own half and operate in riskier passing situations. For now, he talks more about emotions than tactics: “The fans here are incredible; hearing them sing means so much. I can’t wait to wear this jersey and play in our fantastic stadium. I want to play with passion—that’s what the fans deserve.”
Guardiola says that…
Lastly, two thoughts. One for David Beckham, honored from afar. Walker chose number 32 because Beckham wore it at Milan (and wore it with such elegance): “I picked it for him; he’s an icon in our country.” The other for Tammy Abraham, another English international who surprisingly played a key role in the transfer: “Tammy told me I should come; he helped me make the decision.” Kyle will repay the favor with a through ball, a cross to his head, or at least a one-two in the final third.
In the meantime, Guardiola spoke about him: “Kyle was the toughest, the fastest, the strongest defender we had, and he decided to leave the club.”
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport
