More stories

  • in

    ‘My old vets team would have bought him for that’ – Arsenal legend stunned at tiny fee AC Milan paid for Kyle Walker

    PAUL MERSON was left stunned by the bargain fee AC Milan have paid for Kyle Walker.The 34-year-old’s glittering seven-and-a-half years at Manchester City officially came to an end yesterday.Kyle Walker joined in with AC Milan training today for the first timeCredit: GettyPaul Merson reckons Milan have got a bargain deal for the right-backWalker has moved to Milan initially on loan until the end of the season.But the England right-back is not expected to return in the summer as the deal includes a buy option worth £4million.Arsenal legend Paul Merson was left shocked by the low price City accepted.He told Sky Sports: “I don’t think Kyle Walker could play ever game at the moment, but he could still do a job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”For me, for the sake of the fee of £4m, the vets team I used to play for would have bought him for that.”On top of the fee, SunSport understands that Milan will pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.The Serie A side’s local rivals Inter were also keen on signing him but wages proved a stumbling block.There was also a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side, but Walker was keen to still play at the highest level.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWalker joined in with training at his new club for the first time today. That was after saying farewell to City in a touching social media post, thanking Pep Guardiola, his team-mates and fans.Inside Kyle Walker and wife Annie Kilner’s move to Wags’ paradise Milan to put his sex scandals behind himIt read: “Manchester City… where do I start? 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 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 team-mates, 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.” More

  • in

    Kyle Walker takes England legend’s old shirt number after completing ‘incredible’ AC Milan loan transfer

    KYLE WALKER has chosen the No.32 shirt at AC Milan in homage to David Beckham.The England full-back has been training with his new team-mates on Saturday after securing a loan move from Manchester City.Kyle Walker completed his move to AC Milan this weekCredit: GettyWalker has already trained with his new teamCredit: GettyHe is the fourth Englishman at the Rossoneri, joining striker Tammy Abraham, defender Fikayo Tomori and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.The six-time Premier League champion will wear the same number on his back as Becks, who scored twice in 33 times for the club whilst on loan from LA Galaxy in the 2009-10 season.Walker, 34, said after sealing his new Milan adventure: “I chose number 32 for David Beckham.“Tammy told me I should come. He helped me make a decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The Milan fans here are incredible, hearing them sing, it will be emotional.”Abraham, 27, has played for Milan since the start of the season, joining the club on loan from Roma.Milan – who are eighth in Serie A and sixth in the Champions League table – face Parma on Sunday at the iconic San Siro.Walker, who has appeared 93 times for England, is not expected to play as he needs to complete work-permit details but could appear against Inter in the Milan Derby next weekend.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYDavid Beckham wore No32 for AC MilanCredit: AFPThe full-back featured 15 times in the Premier League for City this term.Upon sealing his exit, he emotionally said: “Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan deal”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 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 team-mates, 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.” More

  • in

    Inside Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner’s move to Milan to put sex scandals behind him – but will he escape Lauryn Goodman?

    TOUCHING down in Italy to embark on a new chapter of his career, Kyle Walker now wants to say “arrivederci” to his scandals back home.The England defender, 34, sealed his loan move to Serie A giants AC Milan on Thursday after eight highly successful but incident-packed years with Manchester City.Kyle Walker sealed his loan move to Serie A giants AC Milan in ItalyCredit: AlamyLong-suffering wife Annie Kilner will keep close eye on Kyle as he enjoys life in the new cityCredit: BackGridKyle, Annie and their kids in Christmas PJs on InstagramCredit: InstagramReality star Lauryn Goodman continues to make their lives a misery and told pals she wants to follow the footballer wherever he goesCredit: AlamyHe hopes to start afresh by moving away from the goldfish bowl of Cheshire and the constant noise ­surrounding his dalliances with Lauryn Goodman — mistress and mother of his two love-children.Kyle’s marriage to embattled wife Annie Kilner, 33, is dangling by the thinnest of threads.An insider told The Sun: “Annie has made it clear to friends she is making the move to Italy for the sake of her family, telling them, ‘I’m doing it for the boys’.“Getting away from the UK and the noise surrounding Kyle’s sex scandals is what they desperately need. They feel smothered.Read More on Sport“It’s been a traumatic 12 months and they now just want to put it behind them and attempt to lead some sort of normal existence for a while.”Last night Kyle said on Instagram: “Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies . . . is something I could only have dreamt as a child.“To my teammates: from the moment I walked through the door, thank you for the great memories and all the success we have shared.Most read in Football‘Annie feels terrorised by it all’“To [manager] Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me . . . 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.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan deal“Lastly, to the fans — thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one.”The insider added: “Annie is still intent on going through with the divorce, which Kyle won’t oppose, but the longer they remain together, the more chance they have of eventually reconciling against the odds.“Kyle accepts that he is taking his problems with him and won’t ever escape what he has done.“This is an opportunity for him to get some breathing space and for the couple to work out their next steps.”Annie and their four boys will fly to Italy by private jet from Manchester Airport ahead of Milan’s Serie A showdown against Parma tomorrow.They will be in the San Siro to watch Kyle unveiled to the Rossoneri but will return to the UK hours later as Kyle settles into life in Milan with his new teammates.Wag Zoe Cristofoli is the partner of French defender Theo HernandezCredit: Instagram @zoe_cristofoliStunning Instagram model ­Agustina Gandolfo is the wife of Inter captain Lautaro MartinezCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agus.gandolfo/?hl=enIlaria Belloni is the partner of Kyle’s new captain with the Rossoneri, Davide CalabriaCredit: InstagramCatwalk queens at Milan Fashion Week last yearCredit: GettyThe star cannot play for the seven-time European champions until next month, due to Brexit red tape.The full-back’s new club is finding the couple and their four children a mansion to live in, rather than a hotel, which is a more common move for new signings.The pair are already eager to start ­getting used to Italian culture.For now, Annie is said to be keen to maintain their kids’ schooling in the UK until they have found a home in Milan — but that will hinge on Kyle securing a permanent move.Annie will begin making plans, while back in the UK, to move the family. She is keen for them to begin a new life abroad as soon as possible — once schools have been identified and they have worked out where they want to live.AC Milan’s English trio includes Ruben Loftus-CheekCredit: RexTammy Abraham also plays for the RossoneriCredit: GettyFikayo Tomori will also be one of Walker’s new teammatesCredit: GettyIn the meantime, they expect to fly between the UK and Italy, to be with Kyle as he begins the next chapter in his footballing career.Once they do find a home, would-be interior designer Annie will have the chance to put her own stamp on the property and turn it into a proper home, where their three eldest children Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, and six-year-old Reign, will be home-schooled, while she dotes over five-month-old Rezon.If the move to Milan works out, sparking an extended spell beyond this season — his £4.2million loan deal includes an option for him to stay permanently until 2027 — it is likely they will be enrolled in a top international school nearby.The move to Italy also means that the couple will have put several countries between themselves and reality star Lauryn, 34, who continues to make their lives a misery.The influencer has told pals she wants to follow the footballer wherever he goes in a bid to force him to have a relationship with their two young kids — Kairo, four, and one-year-old ­Kinara.And that is despite Kyle paying for her £2.4million West Sussex mansion and providing £12,500 a month in child maintenance.They could go to the ends of the Earth and still not escape LaurynAn insiderThe insider added: “They could go to the ends of the Earth and still not escape Lauryn.“Because of what he’s done, she is going to be in their lives for a long time to come and there’s nothing they can do about it.“It’s all Annie thinks about. She feels terrorised by it all and worries constantly about what Lauryn is likely to do next.”Kyle informed Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola of his wish to move abroad earlier this month after he was left out of the Premier League champions’ squad for their FA Cup third-round clash against Salford City, despite being fit and available to feature.The Catalan manager said at the time: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.“He arrived eight years ago with us and we start to win, win, win, win, and he has been important for the national team and, of course, with our team.“But he has said he wants to explore in his mind and in his heart.”The switch comes 12 months after the defender told The Sun in a bombshell interview in January last year that he was close to agreeing a move to top German outfit Bayern Munich in July 2023 to escape his looming baby scandal.Packed with lavish nightclubs and barsClubs in the lucrative Saudi league were first mooted as his likely destination, buoyed perhaps by an expensive impending divorce.But Kyle’s determination to remain playing at the top level and win 100 caps for England (he’s just seven appearances away from the feat) under new boss Thomas Tuchel made the move to Italy a more attractive option.And he did not need much ­persuasion to join, as both Milan clubs — AC Milan and Inter — are top-tier sides, while the city is regarded as a Wags’ paradise.After all, it is the home of luxury fashion brands including Prada, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, and their respective stores are commonly ­visited by Wags with expensive tastes who also compete for front-row seats during the star-studded Milan Fashion Week shows.The cosmopolitan nightlife is also a big pull, as locals identify with the “work hard, play hard” mantra, while the city is packed with lavish nightclubs and bars, often frequented by footballers and their glamorous partners.Kyle and Annie will have help settling into their new surroundings courtesy of AC Milan’s English trio Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori. Striker Tammy, 27, who joined Milan from Serie A rivals Roma, has a long-term partner in lifestyle blogger Leah Monroe, 25, and is the father of her one-year-old son Amari.His former Chelsea teammates Ruben, 29, and Fikayo, 27, both appear to be single.But they have been previously linked with Love Island stars Amber Davies and Amber Gill respectively.The two Milan clubs currently possess some of Italy’s most talked-about Wags, who will soon be mingling with the Walkers at the San Siro — the iconic 80,000-seater stadium both teams share.Annie feels terrorised by it all and worries constantly about what Lauryn is likely to do nextAn insiderStunning Instagram model ­Agustina Gandolfo, 29, is the wife of Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, 27 — the Argentinian striker who won the World Cup alongside Lionel Messi in Qatar in 2022.The blonde boasts her own brand as a fitness and healthy lifestyle expert — and an impressive one million followers on Instagram.She also runs her own restaurant in Milan called Coraje.A regular sight in the Wags’ section at Walker’s AC Milan, meanwhile, is tattooed model Zoe Cristofoli, partner of French defender Theo Hernandez, 27.The influencer, 29, loves getting inked so much she even owns her own parlour Ink Studio Lagrange, based in Turin. She is also a part-time DJ.Then there’s Ilaria Belloni, the partner of Kyle’s new captain with the Rossoneri, Davide Calabria, 28.The pair are considered to be one of Italy’s most glamorous couples and have attended Milan Fashion Week’s Giorgio Armani catwalk show together. And with a Master’s degree in marketing, communication and ­digital strategy, Ilaria, 28, is no ordinary Wag.The city’s footie partners are also no strangers to their own sex scandals.The wife of former Inter striker Mauro Icardi, 31, was rumoured to have been having an affair with his teammate Marcelo Brozovic, 32, which forced the Argentinian striker out of the club in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESWanda Icardi, 38, who was previously married to her husband’s international teammate Maxi Lopez, 49, sued an Italian gossip website for allegedly claiming the pair enjoyed a steamy affair.By the sounds of it, Kyle’s going to fit right in.Both Milan clubs — AC Milan and Inter — are top-tier sides, while the city is regarded as a Wags’ paradiseCredit: GettyThe two clubs share the San Siro — the iconic 80,000-seater stadiumCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Giant rodent walks across road at Milan airport as fans wait for Kyle Walker’s arrival ahead of AC Milan transfer

    A GIANT rodent appeared at Milan airport as fans waited for Kyle Walker to arrive ahead of his switch to AC Milan.The Manchester City star is set to join the Italian side on loan until the end of the season.A giant rat walked across the tarmac at Milan Linate AirportFans were awaiting Kyle Walker’s impending arrival amid his loan switch to AC MilanCredit: SplashFans gathered at Milan Linate Airport for the impending arrival of the right-back, but were instead greeted by a giant rodent.The animal waddled across the tarmac as fans questioned what it was doing at an airport.Walker, 34, landed in a private jet and left the airport in a black BMW.A source told SunSport: “The deal is done. Walker is excited about the future and can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe 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.There has been interest in Walker from their city rivals Inter but a move could not be agreed due to his wage demands.Saudi Arabian clubs were also keen on the 34-year-old and offered him a lucrative contract.But Walker has aspirations to get back in the England setup under Thomas Tuchel and therefore was keen to still play at the highest level.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe informed Pep Guardiola he wanted to leave this month amid a dip in form.Man City have signed defender Abdukodir Khusanov this month and are closing in on forward Omar Marmoush.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan deal More

  • in

    Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan as glittering Man City career comes to an end

    KYLE WALKER has landed in Italy ahead of completing his move to AC Milan.The Manchester City star flew out this morning to seal his initial six-month loan deal that includes a club option to make it a permanent stay.Kyle Walker has arrived in Italy ahead of completing his loan switchCredit: Simone Togna / The SunThe full-back was spotted arriving at Manchester Airport this morningCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe could be seen in the back of a Mercedes vanCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeWalker is set to join AC MIlan initially on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe England defender flew to Italy on a private jetCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeWalker was pictured in the back of a Mercedes van that dropped him off at the airport this morning.He then boarded a private jet to Milan, with the transfer to be officially announced in the coming days.Upon arriving in Italy, Walker left the airport in a black BMW.A source told SunSport: “The deal is done. Walker is excited about the future and can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe 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.There has been interest in Walker from their city rivals Inter but a move could not be agreed due to his wage demands.Saudi Arabian clubs were also keen on the 34-year-old and offered him a lucrative contract.But Walker has aspirations to get back in the England setup under Thomas Tuchel and therefore was keen to still play at the highest level.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe right-back’s glittering seven-and-a-half year spell at Man City will come to an end – for now at least.Walker has lifted six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup a the club.Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner plotting move to Italy in bid to save marriage – as love rat lines up deal with Serie A giantsBut despite his contract not ending until 2026, he informed Pep Guardiola he wanted to leave this month amid a dip in form.Walker came close to leaving after City’s Treble win in 2023 when Bayern Munich wanted to sign him.His switch to Milan ends the club’s pursuit of Manchester United’s wantaway star Marcus Rashford as a little-known rule stops them from buying two English players this month.The club has just one spot remaining in their squad for a British player following a change in regulations after Brexit.Restrictions say Italian teams can only bring in two non-EU squad members each year, with one bonus English or Albanian ace permitted.Milan have now hit the threshold by signing Walker. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘LOWER Alejandro Garnacho demands with wantaway forward set for cut-price transfer to Napoli’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly lowered their asking price for Alejandro Garnacho.The Argentina international is on the radar of former club Atletico Madrid and Serie A big boys Napoli.Manchester United are said to have initially valued Alejandro Garnacho at £75millionCredit: AFPBut the Red Devils are said to have lowered their asking price for the 19-year-oldCredit: ALAMYChelsea are also said to be interested – with his agent at Stamford Bridge for the Blues 3-1 win over Wolves on Monday night.The Red Devils were initially said to be willing to part company with the winger if they received a bid in the region of £75million.But they are now claimed to have reduced their valuation of the 20-year-old by nearly a THIRD.That’s according to Sky Italia, who claim the Premier League giants are willing to sell the Argentine for £55m.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNapoli – who are in the market for a new winger following Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s move to Paris Saint-Germain – will likely be thrilled by United’s reported lowering of their demands for Garnacho.The Italians have reportedly had a £40m offer rejected for the forward.Napoli have made no secret of their desire to land Garnacho before the transfer window shuts on February 3.And sporting director Giovanni Manna recently revealed the United star is “important” to Napoli’s plans.Most read in FootballWhen asked if they’re interested in Garnacho’s services, he said: “We are making some assessments.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”He is an important player, but he is not ours.“We must not get carried away even if we know that an important player has left.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?”A top player as the manager defined him and therefore the expectations are high.”But we will do something on Napoli’s terms.”Garnacho and his Manchester United team-mates will be back in action on Thursday, welcoming Scottish giants Rangers to Old Trafford for their penultimate Europa League group match. More

  • in

    Kyle Walker’s Man City career OVER as AC Milan agree 12-month loan move – but deal end’s Rashford transfer interest

    KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanCredit: GettyIt brings an end to a glittering career with Manchester City, for now at leastCredit: AFPThe England full-back won six Premier League titles at the EtihadCredit: ReutersHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have now agreed a deal that will see the Serie A giants pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.The deal brings Walker’s glittering eight-year career at City to a close – for now at least – and ends Milan’s long-running interest in Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.Under strict Serie A rules, clubs can only sign one British player a year. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA source said: “The deal is done. Kyle is keen to get to Italy as soon as possible for the formalities.”He’s excited about the future and can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”He’s now an AC Milan player.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMost read in FootballThe race to sign Walker began just over a week ago after he informed the club he wanted to quit.Boss Pep Guardiola revealed his desire to leave after his side’s 8-0 mauling of Salford in the FA Cup.Roy Keane fumes at ’embarrassing’ Kyle Walker dive during Man City’s clash against Man UtdWalker was left out of the squad for the tie and was missing days later for the 2-2 draw with Brentford.Guardiola revealed: “Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.”He asked after the Treble, when Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.”I prefer to play players whose mind is here. Kyle asked to explore but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know.”We cannot understand the success that the club had these years without Kyle. It is impossible.”He has been our right-back and given us something we didn’t have. He’s been amazing.”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.”Incredible trophy haulWalker has won 17 major honours with City since his £50million move from Tottenham in 2017.His accolades include six Prem titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.He ruled out a move to the Saudi league to keep alive his chances of winning more England caps.He feared a move to the Middle East would almost certainly end his chances of becoming the first black player to reach 100 caps for the Three Lions.He currently has 93 and would need to make the plane for the World Cup next year to reach the historic milestone.A source said: “He not about to give up on that dream. He’s achieved so much already – but 100 England caps would be his crowning glory.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To achieve that, he’s going to have to give everything. He knows his career is coming to an end but he’s not done yet.”Don’t write him off.” More

  • in

    Chelsea ‘consider transfer for Dusan Vlahovic and could send star in opposite direction’ with Arsenal also linked

    CHELSEA are targeting Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, who has also been linked with rivals Arsenal.The Gunners have found themselves short in attack with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka injured, while Kai Havertz is not a natural centre-forward.Chelsea are eyeing Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic during the January transfer windowCredit: GettyChelsea are considering Vlahovic as a replacement for wantaway star Christopher NkunkuCredit: GettyChelsea are considering a swap deal involving Renato VeigaCredit: RexAnd the Blues are thinking ahead as Christopher Nkunku has grown frustrated with the lack of minutes in the Premier League and wants to move elsewhere.Nkunku, 27, has been linked with a return to Germany as Bayern Munich pose as a potential new challenge for the former RB Leipzig star, who will be worth in excess of £60million.That is why the West Londoners are now keeping tabs on Vlahovic, 24, as a potential replacement.According to The Times, Chelsea are eyeing the Serbia international and considering a potential swap deal.Read More on FootballThat would see Renato Veiga going to Juventus during the January transfer window.Veiga, 21, has also struggled for minutes under Enzo Maresca, who places him at full-back rather than the player’s preferred position at centre-back.Juventus are keen on the Portugal international as they see him as a potential replacement for the injured Gleison Bremer.Vlahovic has amassed a total of 53 goals and 11 assists in 125 appearances with Juventus ever since his £62m switch from Fiorentina in 2022.Most read in FootballThe Serbia international has fared very well this season as he has registered 12 goals and two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.The striker only has 18 months left on his contract with Juventus who are facing the risk of losing him for free next year.Dusan Vlahovic shows his football skills when he joins Juventus in training The Serie A giants want to tie Vlahovic to a new deal but are unlikely to offer him a new contract matching his current salary of just under £10m per year. More