Kyle Walker, the talented right-back from Manchester City, made a significant career move in January 2025 when he decided to transfer to Italian Serie A side AC Milan. This transfer marked the end of his almost eight-year spell at the Premier League giants, where he had become a key figure in their defense and won numerous trophies. His decision to move was not an easy one, as it came after a difficult season at Manchester City, where he had seen his playing time diminish under manager Pep Guardiola. With a fresh start in Italy, Walker was eager to embrace a new chapter in his football career, and his move to Milan included taking on an iconic shirt number that had previously been worn by a football legend.
One of the most significant aspects of Walker’s transfer to AC Milan was his decision to wear the No. 32 shirt, a number that had been made famous by none other than David Beckham. Beckham, a global football icon, had spent a portion of his illustrious career at AC Milan during the later years of his playing days. He wore the No. 32 shirt during his time at the San Siro, and for Walker, taking on the same number was a symbolic gesture. However, before he went ahead and claimed the iconic number, Walker felt it was important to seek permission from Beckham himself.
Walker, who had always admired Beckham’s contributions to the game both on and off the field, reached out to the former England captain privately. In a text message, Walker asked Beckham if he would be okay with him wearing the No. 32 shirt at Milan, as he did not want to step on the legacy that Beckham had left at the club. Beckham, who had a great deal of respect for Walker, quickly responded, giving his full support and blessing the move. Beckham’s message to Walker was simple yet heartfelt: “No, it’s an honour; do it proud.” This exchange between the two footballing giants provided Walker with the confidence to wear the number, and he later expressed how much it meant to receive such a warm and supportive response from someone he had always looked up to.
In an interview with GQ Magazine, Walker reflected on the significance of this moment. He acknowledged that Beckham’s impact on the football world was far-reaching and that he could never truly emulate what Beckham had done for the sport. Beckham had not only been an outstanding footballer but also a global ambassador for the game, helping to popularize football in regions where it had previously been less prominent. Walker recognized the magnitude of Beckham’s legacy and was honored to wear the same number that Beckham had worn during his time at Milan.
Walker’s decision to reach out to Beckham for permission was also a reflection of his respectful and humble approach to his career. Despite his own success and achievements, Walker understood the importance of acknowledging the history of the club and the players who had come before him. By asking Beckham for permission, Walker showed his appreciation for the role that the No. 32 shirt had played in Milan’s history and his desire to carry that legacy forward in his own way. His decision to take on the number was not just about wearing a shirt but about honoring the traditions of the club and the players who had made their mark at AC Milan.
As Walker settled into life at AC Milan, he quickly made an impact on the field. He had already made five appearances for the club by mid-February, and Milan was looking to mount a serious challenge for a top-four finish in Serie A and secure a place in next season’s Champions League. Walker’s experience in the Premier League, particularly under Pep Guardiola, was invaluable to the Milan squad as they sought to regain their former glory in Italy and on the European stage. Walker’s presence in the team added much-needed quality to Milan’s defense, and his leadership and experience helped to elevate the overall level of the squad.
Walker’s decision to leave Manchester City was a difficult one, as he had spent much of his career at the Etihad, enjoying immense success under Guardiola. During his time at City, Walker had won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups, cementing his place as one of the best right-backs in the world. However, his performances had declined in recent months, and he often found himself on the bench, which led to him seeking a new challenge elsewhere. The decision to leave City was not one that Walker took lightly, and he later admitted that telling Guardiola about his desire to leave was a tough conversation.
In an interview, Walker shared that speaking with Guardiola was an uncomfortable moment for him, given the respect they had for each other and the success they had achieved together. Walker had been a regular starter under Guardiola for years, and they had enjoyed tremendous success during their time together at City. However, as his playing time became more limited, Walker felt it was time to move on and embrace a new environment. Despite the difficult conversation, Walker expressed his gratitude toward Guardiola, acknowledging the role the manager had played in his development as a player.
Walker’s move to AC Milan provided him with the opportunity to rediscover his love for football. After years of competing at the highest level in the Premier League, playing against the same teams and players season after season, Walker was eager for a fresh start. He described his move to Italy as a “new lease of life,” allowing him to focus solely on his football and reignite the passion he had for the game. While he made it clear that he had never fallen out of love with football, he admitted that the change of scenery and the new challenge was exactly what he needed to re-energize himself and get back to enjoying the sport he loved.
For Walker, his time at AC Milan was about more than just playing football; it was about embracing a new culture and environment. Moving to Italy allowed him to experience Serie A, a league known for its tactical intricacies and storied history. It also gave him the chance to play alongside some of the best players in the world and compete in one of Europe’s most prestigious competitions, the Champions League. For a player who had already achieved so much in his career, Walker saw this move as an opportunity to write a new chapter and to continue challenging himself both on and off the field.
While Walker’s move to AC Milan was largely driven by his desire for a new challenge, it also marked the beginning of a new phase in his career. With his performances at City having dipped in recent months, this move provided him with the chance to prove himself once again and show that he could still compete at the highest level. His decision to take on the No. 32 shirt, which had been worn by Beckham, symbolized his commitment to honoring the legacy of the club and the players who had come before him. With Beckham’s blessing, Walker set out to make his own mark at AC Milan, hoping to follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest players to ever grace the footballing world.
In conclusion, Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan was a significant moment in his career. It marked the end of his long and successful spell at Manchester City and the beginning of a new adventure in Italy. Taking on the No. 32 shirt, which had been worn by David Beckham, was a symbolic gesture that showed Walker’s respect for the club’s history and the players who had made an impact at Milan. Beckham’s supportive response to Walker’s request for permission to wear the number only added to the significance of the move. With a new lease of life in Italy, Walker was eager to prove himself once again and continue to enjoy success at the highest level of football.
