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      ‘We really wanted him’ – Napoli chief reveals Alejandro Garnacho request that saw Man Utd star’s transfer fall apart

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO’s transfer to Napoli fell apart after the star made an “unfair” request to join them.Garnacho, 20, at one stage looked destined to leave Manchester United during the winter transfer window.Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Napoli failed due to one ‘unfair’ reasonCredit: GettyNapoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said they ‘really wanted him’Credit: GettyThis was due to him partly not fitting Ruben Amorim’s system, partly owing to a lack of minutes and partly due to PSR pressure on Man Utd.Napoli and Chelsea were among the main clubs linked with the winger, but ultimately a deal was not reached with Garnacho finding a new lease of life at Old Trafford.The Italian side had been looking to sign a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the month in a deal worth £59m.But Giovanni Manna, sporting director of the Naples outfit, has now revealed why a deal to sign the Argentine fell apart.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said: “We discussed and met Garnacho even before Kvara left, we made an important offer to United. We really wanted him.”The player wanted to leave the Premier League in January because in July it’s different; he wanted to be satisfied financially, something that we can’t do at the moment.”We don’t want to and I don’t even think it’s fair when there’s an average salary in the dressing room and you put a young player who earns a higher salary.”It’s not right towards the others who are doing important things.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”We created a competitive team for a competition, and we are there thanks to the coach and the team, it wasn’t right.”Despite extensive discussions with the Red Devils, Napoli were also unable to agree a transfer fee despite the asking price being lowered to £55m.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceNapoli were also in the race for Patrick Dorgu, before he eventually moved to Man Utd in a deal worth £25m plus £4m in add-ons.Manna added: “Napoli must take strong players, whether they’re young or older. “For example, we negotiated Dorgu for the summer, then if United arrives and makes an offer outside the market it’s difficult to tell them to wait for us.”I’ll give you a practical example – if there’s an opportunity like [Scott] McTominay we’ll take it, but we’re not a club that takes a free agent for a five million salary and six million commission, that’s not our modus operandi, many others do it. “We take the good ones, the functional ones, if they have a prospect it’s better, but it’s not a necessary condition.”We took Buongiorno, Gilmour, but also Spinazzola, McTominay, Neres, Romelu, strong players in their market moment.”It seems that we had to do who knows what, we had to replace Kvara, we didn’t do it as we wanted but this summer we made few mistakes and the team is showing it.”Taking the step to please Garnacho means that I put someone in there with players who have been busting their asses since July… it’s not right, then we wanted to do it.”I’m not happy, we didn’t succeed, but the market didn’t end yesterday, it starts again and we will have to be good and show strength now. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Staying focused on the Champions League objective, which doesn’t mean not dreaming but staying focused, otherwise if you fly then you fall and hurt yourself. “This Napoli deserves only positive words, always and in any case, what is being done nobody expected.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann poses in racy lingerie as she lands deal with major underwear brand

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      ALISHA LEHMANN took social media by storm in a racy lingerie photoshoot.Lehmann, 26, teamed up with major underwear brand Tezenis and shared pics of her shoot on Instagram.Alisha Lehmann took social media by stormCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann posed in raunchy underwearCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann shared the photos across social mediaCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann’s photos received over 500,000 likes on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe forward posed in a black lace ensemble ahead of Valentine’s Day and the snaps received over 500,000 likes.Lehmann posted the following caption: “My first Valentine’s Day with @tezenisofficial.”The Switzerland international’s photos left her 16.7million followers in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan commented: “Looking good.”Read More on FootballAnother posted: “You are wonderful.”A third wrote: “Always happy to see you.”This fan said: “Beautiful.”And that one gushed: “OMG.”Most read in FootballLehmann has been in a relationship with ex-Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.The couple both left Villa for Juventus in the summer, making history as the first ever boyfriend and girlfriend transfer.Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Luiz, 26, switched the Midlands for Turin in a £50million deal and reportedly signed a contract worth about £100,000-a-week.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam lifeAlisha Lehmann played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has 16.7million Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha posed for her 2024 calendarCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snapsCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She now plays for JuventusCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann likes to travelCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Fans cheer her on across the worldCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann looks delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagramLehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She received a surprising request from rapper DrakeCredit: instagramAn A-list celebrity had offered her £90,000 for a night of passionCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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      Cesc Fabregas’ Como unveil stunning new stadium plans as breathtaking 10,584-seater lakeside ground gets makeover

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      CESC FABREGAS’ Italian side Como have unveiled stunning new plans to redevelop their lakeside stadium.The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is regarded by many as the most picturesque arena in European football.Como have unveiled plans to redevelop their stadiumCredit: COMOThe plucky side were promoted to Serie A last summerCredit: COMOThe plans are set to boost the local communityCredit: COMOSituated by Lake Como, it boasts breathtaking views for both home and away supporters.And with Como now playing in Serie A, plans are afoot to make it one the best stadiums around.The minnows are managed by none other than Arsenal and Chelsea icon Fabregas.They sit 15th in the table, two points above the relegation zone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd after being promoted from Serie B last season, Como have already seen the capacity of their stadium increase from 7,798 seats to 10,584.Now, the club have confirmed a lengthy process to redevelop their home ground further.The three-stage plan is set to take shape in May 2026, with the first construction phase finishing in October 2027.A second phase will continue until August 2028.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd the project, which does not yet specify how many more seats will be added, will be a “gift for the entire community” as it looks to boost the surrounding area.Como president Mirwan Suwarso said: “Our aim is to ensure Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia remains a vital part of the community.Cesc Fabregas shuts down England position debate as World Cup winner ‘shows why he got over 100 caps’ Cesc Fabregas is the manager of ComoCredit: EPATheir stadium currently holds over 10,000 fansCredit: ReutersComo are 15th in Serie A right nowCredit: Reuters“The new project must honour the Giuseppe Sinigaglia stadium legacy while making it an active and accessible space for all citizens and visitors — not just for football, but for everyone to enjoy, 365 days a year.”Alessandro Rapinese, the Mayor of Como, added: “This is the first phase of the process.“This stadium is not just for football, but a gift for the entire community.“I look forward to the various phases and to being able to enjoy Como play inside the new stadium.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Arsenal held transfer talks over signing forgotten Chelsea flop as Mikel Arteta scrambled to sign striker

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      ARSENAL reportedly held transfer talks to sign a forgotten Chelsea flop.The Gunners were on the lookout but failed to sign a striker in the January transfer window.Mikel Arteta wanted to sign a striker in January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe club held talks to sign Alvaro Morata on loan from AC MilanCredit: APGalatasaray beat Arsenal to the striker’s sigantureCredit: GettyThe club will continue to challenge for the Premier League title with Kai Havertz as the sole striker option.Mikel Arteta, however, did scramble to find a new striker before the winter window slammed shut.Despite links to stars such as Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins, the club came close to signing a former Blue.The Athletic have claimed that Arsenal held talks with the agent of Alvaro Morata during the trip to Girona last week.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gunners beat the LaLiga side in the Champions League but took the chance to explore some transfer business.The club spoke to the representatives of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.The stopper’s agent also represents Alvaro Morata.Arsenal were believed to be keen on a loan deal for the AC Milan star.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, the North London outfit were beaten to the Spaniard’s signature by Turkish giants Galatasaray.Morata, 32, played at Chelsea between 2017 and 2020. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City But he was sent out on loan to Atletico Madrid for his final year after falling out of favour.Morata netted 24 times in 72 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.He joined AC Milan last summer and scored six goals in 25 outings before leaving for Turkey on loan.The Euros winner posted a sincere goodbye to the Milan fans on social media.He wrote: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to wear this shirt.”Milan is an incredible club, even more so the people who work there. Thank you to everyone.” More

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      Iconic former Champions League star, 37, now a CHICKEN FARMER and even has zoo with ferrets and turtles

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE icon Marek Hamsik now runs a chicken farm and a zoo.The Napoli legend made 520 appearances for the club with his distinctive mohawk haircut.Marek Hamsik looks after chickens and has a small zooCredit: AFP or licensorsHe claimed his set-up is like a ‘hotel for chickens’Credit: Instagram / marekhamsik17His wife Martina is behind the ideaCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17But since hanging up his boots a year-and-a-half ago following a spell at Turkish side Trabzonspor, Hamsik balances being Slovakia’s assistant manager and his love for farming.Alongside his wife Martina and their three kids, the 37-year-old looks after chickens and has small zoo with ferrets and turtles in his homeland.Hamsik told Sport24: “It’s a relatively new hobby of ours. It all started in April last year during Easter, when we ordered hatching eggs, from which we later hatched little chicks. “During that time, we managed to set up and equip the chicken coop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The coop is custom-made. It is more like a hotel for chickens with built-in heating and ventilation, but also automatic doors that open in the morning so that we don’t have to get up and check on them. “It is truly luxurious and the chickens are perhaps even better cared for than we are.”To date, we have 29 of them, and they lay around two dozen eggs a day. “We have a lot of them and I’m already thinking about opening a store as I take care of the chicken coop with pleasure.”Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHamsik admitted it was his wife’s idea to start the farm and they now have eggs for breakfast everyday.On their animal kingdom, the former midfielder revealed: “Yes, it was her idea. She is a big animal lover in general, which she passed on to the whole family. Football icons’ strange hobbies”If we could, we would have an animal shelter or a small zoo at home. “Although we actually already have one, since we keep three dogs, a cat, the chickens, two turtles, six guinea pigs and two ferrets. “We also had two roosters that hatched with us and we raised them ourselves, but since they are the same blood as the chickens, they couldn’t stay with us.”Away from the animals, Hamsik opened a winery with his dad Richard and he boasts an impressive car collection that includes a Mustang and a Ferrari.Hamsik also runs a winery with his dadCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17He has a Ferrari in his impressive garageA Mustang is also his pride and joyCredit: Instagram / marekhamsik17 More

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      Mystery as Kyle Walker’s wife Annie is no-show at his AC Milan debut despite pair enjoying meal with kids hours before

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      LOVE cheat footie ace Kyle Walker made his AC Milan debut – but there was no sign of his estranged wife Annie Kilner in the stands.The former Manchester City skipper, 34, was named in the starting line-up for the fierce derby match against arch rivals Inter.Kyle Walker made his AC Milan debut but his estranged wife Annie Kilner wasn’t at the matchCredit: GettyAnnie was seen arriving in Milan ahead of the matchCredit: BackGridThe family were spotted eating together earlier this weekCredit: BackGridWalker was left dejected after his derby debut ended in a drawCredit: AFPBut he arrived at the iconic San Siro stadium alone with his model wife, Annie, 31, nowhere to be seen.Onlookers said she had not left the five star Melia Milano hotel ahead of the 5pm kick-off a short drive away.It was unclear if the couple’s children – Roman, 12, Riaan, nine, seven-year-old Reign and baby Rezon – were with her.Kyle took to the pitch ahead of the match wearing a new pair of boots with their dates of birth on.read more in Kyle WalkerSources said he was extremely excited to make his debut in front of the Rossoneri in the Milan derby.He played all 90 minutes with AC narrowly missing out on a derby victory due to a last gasp Stefan de Vrij equaliser in added time.But Annie’s apparent absence cast a shadow over Kyle’s debut.There had been doubts over whether Annie would travel to Italy in the first place after a series of rows.Most read in FootballBut she changed her mind at the last minute and flew in for his much anticipated debut – along with his mum and dad.The family were reunited at the hotel where Kyle has been staying since he signed for his new club. Kyle Walker opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Guardiola as he admits ‘things weren’t going well’ at Man CityEngland full-back Kyle signed for AC Milan on loan until the end of the season after telling City he wanted to quit and play abroad.His shock move was completed just days later and he went straight into the side.Kyle, who received a pre-match good luck message from David Beckham, looked focused as he entered the San Siro.He is now the fourth Englishman at AC Milan, joining on-loan Roma striker Tammy and more former Chelsea players – Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.He was said to be desperate to escape the UK after he confessed to fathering a second child with his ex-mistress, Lauryn Goodman, 34.The scandal has dogged him for over a year and shows no signs of ending.He was kicked out of the family home in December 2023 and Annie, heavily pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it would be the last straw and filed for divorce last August.The former Manchester City skipper, 34, was named in the starting line-up for the fierce derby match against arch rivals InterCredit: ReutersThe full back arrived at the San Siro in all black ahead of his debutCredit: GettyIt was Walker’s first game since departing Manchester City in JanuaryCredit: AFP or LicensorsIn an exclusive interview with The Sun, the footie ace apologised publicly and begged for forgiveness.He admitted: “What I’ve done is horrible and I take full responsibility.”I made idiot choices and idiot decisions. I can’t begin to think or imagine what Annie is going through.”The man that’s meant to love, care and be there for her, did this.”The only person to blame is me.”My actions have caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. I’m sorry because, as a family, this isn’t meant to happen.”He has told pals he knows the loan move to Italy will not be an end to his problems.But he was determined to find some breathing space amid the ongoing off-field dramas.His move is expected to be made permanent in the Summer – bringing an end to his eight year career at the Etihad.During that time he won 17 major honours with City – including six Prem titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.The £150,000-a-week full-back was tipped for a move to the Saudi league to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.But Kyle was desperate to reach 100 caps for England. He currently has 93.READ MORE SUN STORIESTo reach the milestone, he would need to be on the plane for the World Cup next year.A source said he refused to give up on that dream and chose AC Milan in the hope that it will boost his chances.Walker’s first game ended in a 1-1 drawCredit: GettyAnnie had flown out to see Kyle in MilanCredit: BackGrid More

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      Kyle Walker named in AC Milan starting XI for huge derby vs Inter as ex-City star joined by wife Annie Kilner in Italy

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      KYLE WALKER got the nod to make his AC Milan debut by starting in the huge derby against Inter.And he will be cheered on by his wife Annie Kilner and their kids after they flew out to Italy to watch the crunch clash. Kyle Walker makes his AC Milan debut against arch-rivals InterCredit: GettyThe English right-back, 34, completed his loan switch to the Serie A giants from Manchester City last week.Annie, 31, Roman, 12, Riaan, nine, Reign, seven, and baby Rezon then headed to the fashion capital on a private jet on Friday afternoon after a turbulent week. He was not in the squad to face Parma last weekend or eligible for the Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.However, Rossoneri boss Sergio Conceicao threw him in from the start in one of the biggest matches in world football.The City captain – deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola – was brought straight into the starting XI for the Sunday showdown.Walker will be hoping to keep his new side’s faint hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive – and denting Inter’s title ambitions.Milan go into the ‘home’ San Siro clash down in eighth – one place above Roma but 16 points behind their city enemies and ground-share rivals.Inter, meanwhile, know victory would see them leapfrog Napoli to the top of the Serie A table. Most read in FootballThe game kicks off in Milan just 30 minutes after Walker’s parent club City get underway in the mammoth clash at Arsenal.Walker’s future appears to be away from the Etihad, despite his contract running until 2026. He had an “uncomfortable” conversation with Guardiola where he told the manager he wanted to leave and AC Milan do have the option to make the loan deal permanent at the end of the season. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC Milan

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      KYLE Walker is reunited with estranged wife Annie and children after they jetted into Italy to watch him make his debut for Italian giants AC Milan.The former Manchester City skipper, 34, is widely expected to make his bow in the Milan derby against arch rivals Inter on Sunday.Kyle Walker reuniting with a meal with his familyCredit: BackGridThe defender looked in great spirits with his familyCredit: BackGridThey were seen enjoying MIlanCredit: BackGridAnd model Annie, 31, will be in the iconic San Siro stadium to support him as he begins the next chapter in his glittering career.He also has the support of England legend and former Milan favourite David Beckham who sent him a message congratulating him.Becks, who scored twice in 33 games for the Serie A giants after joining on loan in 2009, urged him to “keep going”.And the doting dad was beaming as he was reunited with Annie and the kids in Italy.Read More in FootballLoyal Annie jetted in with their four kids – Roman, 12, Riaan, nine, seven-year-old Reign and baby Rezon – on Friday afternoon after a turbulent week.They boarded a £50,000 private jet flight from Manchester Airport and flew into Milan before being reunited with the England full-back.Annie wheeled baby Rezon in a pushchair after they touched down before a delighted Kyle held the toddler in his arms and waved to fans.The family were snapped together at the five-star Melia Milano hotel where Kyle has been staying since joining the Rossoneri.Most read in FootballHis three older kids were dressed in matching £135 Fear of God tracksuits and were even pictured talking to Kyle’s new boss, Sergio Conceicao.Kyle collected the family’s suitcases from the blacked out Mercedes people carrier and took them into the lobby.The Three Lions ace laughed and joked with the kids inside as they checked in moments later.A source said: “He was clearly overjoyed to see them all.“It means the world to him that they’ll be there in the stadium to watch him make his debut for AC Milan.Kyle Walker takes England legend’s old shirt number after completing ‘incredible’ AC Milan loan transfer“It’s a huge moment for him and the family. The kids are so excited.“Their struggles are well documented but they’ve put it to one side for now to enjoy this moment as a family.”They later enjoyed a meal together in front of a huge TV screen showing the latest match.His mum and dad are also expected to be in the stadium today to watch him make his debut.Kyle signed a loan at AC Milan until the end of the season after dramatically telling City he wanted to quit.He flew out of the UK just over a week ago before being unveiled to the fans.He then watched his new teammates fight back to clinch a stunning 3-2 injury time win against rivals Parma.On Sunday he will pull on the iconic shirt for the first time – bearing the same number 32 as Becks – as his new side take on city rivals Inter.Kyle said he was persuaded to join by fellow Englishman and Milan striker Tammy Abraham who has also joined on loan.And he specifically requested his squad number – revealing: “I chose number 32 for David Beckham.”Speaking ahead of his much-anticipated debut he added: “The Milan fans here are incredible. And hearing them sing … it will be emotional.”Kyle is the fourth Englishman now at the Rossoneri, joining on-loan Roma striker Tammy and more former Chelsea players – Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.Sources said he was desperate to escape the UK after he confessed to fathering a second child with his ex-mistress, Lauryn Goodman, 34.The scandal has dogged the player for over a year.He was kicked out of the family home in December 2023 and Annie, heavily pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it would be the last straw and filed for divorce last August.In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the footie ace apologised publicly and begged for forgiveness.Walker was seen smiling broadly as he reunited with his familyCredit: BackGridWalker’s family arrived on a private jet to join him in ItalyCredit: BackGridWalker could make his debut tomorrowCredit: BackGridAnnie and her kids jetted out to see the footy starCredit: BackGridWalker also revealed he had come close to signing for the then German champions Bayern Munich in a £15million move.In a candid interview, Kyle confessed: “Now you know the reason why, because I tried to escape.“Did I want to leave City? No, of course I didn’t.“We’re the best team in the world at the minute, but for me it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.“I was acutely aware the clock was ticking. I came very close to moving. We were having conversations. “The numbers were there. I was going to a great club, a massive club. But in the end I couldn’t go.“There is pain and emotion at the moment but I can go to the house, pick the kids up, take them to school, I can take my little lad to football.“I can do the normal stuff that makes me feel normal.”NEW BEGINNINGS Walker’s loan move to AC Milan is expected to be made permanent in the Summer – bringing an end to his eight year career at the Etihad.He 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.The £150,000-a-week full-back was tipped for a move to the Saudi league to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.But Kyle is said to be desperate to become the first ever black player to reach 100 caps for England – he currently has 93.READ MORE SUN STORIESTo reach the milestone, he would need to be on the plane for the World Cup next year.A source said he refused to give up on that dream and chose AC Milan in the hope that it will boost his chances.Annie on arrival in Milan at their hotelCredit: BackGridWalker enjoying some quality timeCredit: BackGridThe defender is having a change of scenery in ItalyCredit: BackGridKyle Walker is preparing to make his AC Milan debutCredit: Getty More