After spending eight trophy-filled years at Manchester City, England defender Kyle Walker, 34, has embraced a new challenge with Serie A giants AC Milan. This move is a perfect way for Walker to experience a fresh chapter in his career as he enters his twilight years.
He made his debut last weekend in a 1-1 draw against fierce rivals Inter Milan, and followed it up with an impressive performance in their 3-1 Coppa Italia victory over Roma. Off the pitch, Walker is making the most of his time in Milan, staying at the luxurious five-star Melia Milano hotel.
The hotel is about a 40-minute drive from Milan’s training ground and just a 10-minute drive to the iconic San Siro Stadium. Walker, who boasts a £27million fortune, has also had the chance to indulge in Milan’s fine dining scene. Recently, he dined at the exclusive Coraje restaurant, co-owned by Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, adding a bit of intrigue as he dined in enemy territory.
Let’s take a closer look at Walker’s life in Milan.
Where He’s Staying
As he settles into Milan, Walker is staying at the stylish Melia Milano hotel in the heart of the city. Should his six-month loan transition into a permanent deal, he may treat himself to a lavish place of his own.
The Melia Milano offers sleek rooms starting from £400 per night, with the business suite costing up to £880 per night. AC Milan reportedly secured a premium room for Walker at the hotel, which is commonly used to accommodate new players arriving on loan from abroad.
The hotel is well located, just 15 minutes from high-end boutiques like Prada, Versace, and Gucci, while popular restaurants Hollywood and Crazy Pizza are nearby, often frequented by Milan’s stars and their families.
Where He’s Playing
The Melia Milano is conveniently located just eight minutes from the San Siro Stadium, where AC Milan plays its home games. Walker could easily walk the 1.1-mile distance.
However, Milan’s stunning training facility, Milanello Sports Center, is located about 31 miles away, perched on a hill near the town of Varese. The serene location offers tranquility, surrounded by a pine forest and pond, with state-of-the-art amenities like medical facilities, gyms, and multiple pitches. One of the most interesting features is ‘the cage,’ designed to keep the ball in continuous play to increase game speed. The facility also boasts a 1,200-meter path for jogging, cycling, and player rehabilitation.
Who He’s Playing With
Walker is not alone in Milan, as the team includes several familiar faces. He is one of four English players on Milan’s roster, alongside striker Tammy Abraham (on loan from Roma), midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (formerly of Chelsea), and defender Fikayo Tomori.
Additionally, Milan is home to former Premier League stars such as Christian Pulisic, Emerson Royal, and Joao Felix, who will provide Walker with plenty of competition and camaraderie.
Where He’s Eating
Milan is not short of dining options, and Walker has already experienced some of the city’s best cuisine. Although Hollywood and Crazy Pizza are popular among Serie A players, Walker’s first few days in the city saw him dine at the upscale Coraje restaurant.
What’s especially intriguing about Coraje is that it’s co-owned by Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and his partner Agustina Gandolfo, which means Walker was dining at the rival’s establishment. Nonetheless, Walker, accompanied by a group of Milan officials, enjoyed a hearty meal filled with Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant’s prices are reasonable for anyone, with main courses costing between £17 to £30.
Walker is certainly making the most of his time in Milan, both on and off the pitch!
