- Kyle Walker will not be able to play for the new AC Milan until next month
- He is expected to pass a medical in Milan on Thursday before being presented.
- LISTEN NOW: It's all starting! Why Arsenal players will laugh at Mikel Arteta behind his back
Kyle Walker will not be able to play for new AC Milan until next month due to post-Brexit regulations, it emerged today.
Walker, who flew from Manchester on Thursday and landed in Milan at lunchtime, has been frustrated by the bureaucracy imposed by the Italians after Britain left the European Union.
It means that a work permit must be obtained if a non-EU citizen wants to stay in Italy for more than 90 days.
He is expected to undergo a medical in Milan later on Thursday before being presented at a press conference at the Rossoneri headquarters in the city.
Italian media reported Thursday that the deal almost fell through after a “last-minute offer” from Saudi Arabia.
Walker, 34, a father-of-four, will initially join on a £4.2m loan but the deal is that he will remain permanently in Milan until 2027.
Kyle Walker will not be able to play for new AC Milan until next month due to post-Brexit regulations, it emerged today.
The veteran defender informed Pep Guardiola of his desire to leave the Etihad earlier this month
Walker will join a growing contingent of English players in the seven-time European Cup-winning team.
Italian sources said he was “likely” to remain in Milan until the weekend and would join his new team-mates at training on Friday.
But as he does not have the necessary documentation or residence permits, he will return to the UK and miss Sunday's match against Parma and next week's Champions League match against Zagreb.
Sources said he could attend both games as a “spectator” but is unlikely to play until all the paperwork is completed.
Italian media photographed Walker leaving Milan's Linate airport in the back of a chauffeur-driven car and waving to supporters who had gathered to greet him.
As he walked through the arrivals area, he said: “Hello guys” to the fans before being escorted by Ac Milan officials.
His first game is likely to be on February 2 against city rivals Inter, but his arrival was not welcomed by everyone.
Respected Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport spoke by phone to a panelist who said: “Do Milan really need Walker?” He is old, makes mistakes and has a complicated private life.
The former Manchester City player follows in the footsteps of other English players at AC Milan, including Jimmy Greaves, Ray Wilkins, Mark Hateley, Luther Blissett, David Beckham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori.
More to follow…