Yahoo Sports Walker voices trophy ‘guarantee’, Milan opportunity and Champions League bonus
AC Milan completed the signing of Kyle Walker on loan from Manchester City on Friday night, and today, the Englishman has spoken about his move to the club.
With Emerson Royal failing to assert himself at right-back and Davide Calabria’s contract expiring at the end of the season, reinforcement on the right of defence was expected. However, when it would arrive was up in the air.
Many wanted it to be January when the club looked for support, and that wish has been granted.
During the Cagliari draw, reports suggested that Walker was available and shortly after Milan’s interest in a deal was confirmed. Things moved quite quickly from there and despite initial talks being about a permanent deal, the Englishman has arrived on a six-month loan, though there is a buy-clause in the deal.
Today, Walker sat down to speak to the media next to Zlatan Ibrahimovic about his move after being present for the game against Parma on Sunday, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.
What perception have you always had of Milan throughout your career?
“Clearly playing for Milan is something fantastic. It is a great ambition for my career to try a new experience. I thought this was a great opportunity to get here and express my talent.”
More Stories / News
Walker voices trophy ‘guarantee’, Milan opportunity and Champions League bonus
GdS: The concert and the bottle kick – what led to the Conceicao-Calabria spat
‘The split is now clear’ – Mazzara highlights worrying incident after Parma’s second goal
Have you spoken to any of the past Milan players?
“Yes, I spoke to one of the greats [addressing Zlatan Ibrahimovic] before coming here. He made it clear to me that the club wants to do well. Milan went on to win the Super Cup, and that’s a good start.
“Things aren’t going great in the league, but in the Champions League they are. We only need one point to avoid the playoffs. I bring my experience, and my leadership. We have the right players, the figures behind the scenes who are doing the right things to bring this club back to the top.”
What did you already know about our country and our football, Serie A?
“Of course during my childhood the big teams, when you watch them play in the Champions League you see the type of players who have played in Italy. I wanted to experience this type of emotion.
“There were many other teams interested, but I had the feeling that it was the right time to come here. Zlatan was fantastic, and I wanted to show that I could perform in Serie A too and not just in the Premier League.”
What does Milan need right now?
“I think, based on what I’ve seen, passion, the desire to win, the pressure we have to put on ourselves to win games. Then of course there’s the Champions League, where you play against big teams without disrespecting Parma. There was a big difference between the first and second half.
“We need enthusiasm, and leadership on the pitch. Zlatan talked about what happened between Calabria and Conceiçao yesterday, and they showed that they care.”
What made you choose Milan?
“The history of the club and also the project that Zlatan proposed to me.”
On the bonus for winning the Champions League with Milan…
“Of course, it would be a dream come true to win it. I have already been lucky enough to win it and lose it with City. I have experienced both situations. I assure you that it is much better to be applauded than to applaud your opponents, but we will talk about it later because it will depend on our path in the Champions League.
“Financial bonus? No, I play football not for the money but for the passion. With City, things weren’t going well, and that’s one of the reasons why I came here, to play more and win lots of trophies. When I signed with City I won 17 trophies, but I won’t stop there, even if I’m 34 years old. I prefer to win. I assure you.”
When Parma took the lead, you thought, “Who made me do this?”
“No, it’s football. Things happen during matches, but at the final whistle we got the victory we wanted, that we needed, and since we have an important match on Wednesday and the derby on Sunday, it was an important step to ensure that this week started in the best possible way.”
Are you ready to play the role of leader on and off the pitch?
“That’s what I have to do. With my age, with my experience, I can pass this message on to the younger players, but I can’t do it alone. There are other leaders, but perhaps there’s a lack of confidence.
“You need consistency in results, the coach has changed, but I think Conceiçao has good ideas, and good foundations on which to build the team. Sometimes you need discipline, that fire inside that must be transmitted to others and that perhaps has been lacking a bit lately.
More Stories about Kyle Walker
Walker voices trophy ‘guarantee’, Milan opportunity and Champions League bonus
Walker explains shirt number and decision to join Milan: “Tammy told me to come”
Watch: Kyle Walker’s first day at Milanello as derby preparation begins
“I hope that Loftus-Cheek, Tomori and Abraham can have faith in me. I hope that my teammates can follow me on the pitch. I’ve won a lot in my career, but I come here with the hope of winning many more trophies with Milan.”
What do you fear about this Inter?
“I’ve already played against Inter this year against City in the Champions League. It will be a different game because in Manchester it was a chess match, we could have done better but we played well that night.
“Based on what I’ve heard it will be a different game, it will be an exciting game, but the last challenge in the derby we won in the Super Cup, they will look for revenge. But it’s a question of mentality, we have to try to give our best for that game, not only for ourselves, for the standings, but also for our fans.”
What did Guardiola tell you about Milan?
“When I spoke to Pep it was not an easy conversation, because of the mutual respect that binds us. I hope he knows what I can offer to a dressing room, the atmosphere I can create. City was my family, from the gardener to the chef.
“I think I was appreciated, and I hope to do the same here. I want to learn the Italian language, I am very hungry, and fire inside to achieve my goals. I do not want to win trophies in just one country, but also abroad.”
Do you believe in destiny?
“I hope so. I don’t really believe in destiny, but I do believe in hard work. You reap what you sow, and it’s not like I’ll be able to do a lot of things because of my birthday. You need a bit of luck, but you also need performance.”
What category is Leao?
“Rafa, I think the quality speaks for itself. What I saw in training, even in the Champions League when I was in Manchester, but also what I heard from Dias and Silva at City. He has all the qualities in the world, now it’s up to him to be one of the best in the world.
“This team has quality, all the players have it, otherwise, they wouldn’t play. You need a minimum of presumption, not arrogance. It’s not that I’m the best, I go out on the pitch and score a hat-trick. You have to work hard.”
On Theo…
“I played against Theo with the national team. He’s a top player, the stats speak for themselves. This should be the start, he’s 26. I arrived at City when I was 27. I think this is the most important period for a defender, the peak of his career, because you use your head a lot more, both in attack and defence.
“If he needs advice I’ll be available, but I hope to be complementary to Theo. The important thing is the team, not the individuals. The individuals will show themselves when they’re well”.
On the first meeting with mister Conceiçao…
“He is happy that I am here and I have to prove that I am a good footballer. He and his technical staff have made themselves available, as well as the club, which has welcomed me with open arms.
“I have to thank them for the welcome and for making everything simple. Now it’s up to me to respond on the pitch.”
Walker to Milan like Hamilton to Ferrari? Is it a challenge against yourself?
“Thanks for the words. As I just said, I could have stayed in Manchester, I still had a contract that I would have respected. Sometimes life is made up of challenges. You find yourself in a situation where you want to try something different.
“I’ve spoken to other players who haven’t played outside the Premier League, and they tell you that with hindsight they would have done so. But when there’s a club like Milan that is interested in you, there are clubs you can’t say no to, and this is one of them.
“It reassured me that Milan really wanted to take me, and I felt it was the right decision. I hope to finish the season well, both personally and as a team.”
