Kyle Walker’s future at Manchester City was in doubt when the 2024/25 season began, and a few weeks in, the likelihood of a January transfer grew stronger. AC Milan roped him away in the end, with Zlatan Ibrahimović welcoming the right-back with a powerful statement.
Walker, 34 years old and one of the leaders in the Manchester City dressing room, will now be expected to use his experience to guide Milan out of its misery. The Rossoneri are 7th in Serie A, 19 points behind leaders Napoli—nowhere close to where they want to be.
Ibrahimović, a senior advisor to the club’s ownership group, believes Walker will do just that. In an interview following his unveiling as a Milan player, the former Swedish international said, “He’s an alpha male in the dressing room.”
“He’s an alpha male in the dressing room.”
Zlatan Ibrahimović on what Kyle Walker brings to AC Milan 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qfogYLQHWz
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 27, 2025
That’s a tag Ibrahimović himself has often been associated with throughout his career. One of the most prolific goalscorers ever, he was also an intimidating figure—one many feared and most respected. At times, he polarized fanbases with his aggressive antics or “Zlatan is the best” comments. But the command he held over every dressing room he was part of cannot be questioned.
Whether Walker’s impact will be as strong in Italy remains to be seen. But he leaves England with a plethora of trophies. Having moved to Manchester City from Tottenham in 2017, Walker won six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, two Community Shields, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
He left the Etihad Stadium as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
“He can give a helping hand when the going gets tough,” Ibrahimovic added about Walker. “He’s not only very good on the pitch, he’s very strong off the field as well. He can offer a great deal.”
Ciao @acmilan 👋🏽
I’m delighted and proud to sign for AC Milan! A club with such rich history, one I’ve followed since I was a kid. It’s an honour to join and I can’t wait to pull on the Rossoneri shirt and get started.
I’m very much looking forward to this new chapter in my… pic.twitter.com/F8d2UjngIG
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) January 24, 2025
With Walker’s arrival, Milan’s defensive line will surely be strengthened, as Ibrahimovic believes he can also play as a center back, something Pep Guardiola only experimented while playing him in a back-three system, that to rarely.
For Walker, this will be a whole new experience. He cited the desire to do well in Italy as the reason behind his choosing to join Milan, a historic club that has found itself in tatters more often than not of late. Alone, there isn’t much he can do to single-handedly carry the team to a Scudetto, but his presence will surely elevate their chances.
