Walker discusses ‘rekindling’ love for football with Milan and exchange with Beckham | OneFootball

Kyle Walker was the first signing of the January mercato for AC Milan, and the right-back is acclimatising nicely to his new surroundings.

When links to Walker first emerged, there were understandably doubts, but the Englishman has been something different for Milan. In fact, in a position where the Rossoneri have looked questionable in recent years, they now look somewhat safe.

The opening few games showed how much he could aid the team, and more importantly, the backline, with the Englishman offering his teammates support during the game, and ensuring that everyone was staying regimented.

Whilst his game vs. Feyenoord was not great, no one really performed, so his position is not under threat at all.

Today, the Sheffield-born defender spoke to Italian GQ about his decision to move to Italy, and Milan News have relayed his comments.

On Milan…

“I was welcomed very well from all points of view, and from my side, I believe that Milan is moving in the right direction. Then there’s the atmosphere at the San Siro, which is really fantastic.

“I felt it on me, especially in the derby, unfortunately, Inter drew in the last minutes but for me, it was very exciting to play such an important match right away.”

On the decision to go to AC Milan…

“For me, Milan is a new challenge. I needed a spark, to rekindle the love I have for football. Mind you, I’m not saying that I had lost my love for the game. But inside me, I felt the need to build a new life, to have new stimuli, and new opponents to play against. Then it’s nice to test myself in a completely different context.

“In Italy, as it should be, the game is experienced differently than in England, but also in Spain, France, Germany. Here there is great attention to the defenders and the defensive phase, the fans appreciate creative footballers but also those who manage to stop the opponents.

“A simple 1-0 win can be fine, for them you can start building from there. And at the end of the day they are right, three points in the standings is the thing a player and a team need most’.

Walker also took the number 32, formerly of compatriot David Beckham, and the right-back also opened up on a conversation between the two.

“Beckham sent me a message when I arrived at AC Milan, I replied asking him if he didn’t mind me taking the shirt number he wore at AC Milan. He replied: ‘Of course, for me, it’s an honour, wear it with pride.

“For me it was important, we’re talking about a man who changed football, who made it what it is today.”