Kyle Walker won't be able to play for new side AC Milan until next month due to regulations brought in following Brexit, it emerged today.
Walker, who flew out of Manchester on Thursday and landed in Milan at lunchtime, has been thwarted by red tape brought in by the Italians after Britain left the European Union.
It means a work permit must be obtained if any non EU national wants to remain in Italy for more than 90 days.
He is expected to undergo a medical in Milan later Thursday before being unveiled at a press conference at the Rossoneri’s HQ in the city.
Italian media reported on Thursday the deal was almost scuppered after a ‘last minute bid’ from Saudi Arabia.
Father of four Walker, 34, will initially join on £4.2 million loan but the deal includes an option for him to stay permanently in Milan until 2027.
Italian sources said he was ‘likely’ to remain in Milan until the weekend and would meet his new team mates at training on Friday.
But because he doesn’t have the necessary paperwork and residency permits he will then return to the UK and miss Sunday’s match against Parma and next week’s Champions League tie against Zagreb.
Sources said he could well attend both games as a ‘spectator’ but he would be unlikely to play until all the paperwork is completed.
Italian media pictured Walker leaving Milan’s Linate airport in the back of chauffeur driven car and he waved t supporters who had gathered to greet him.
As he walked through arrivals he said:’ Hello guys’ to fans before being escorted away by Ac Milan officials.
His first game is likely to be on February 2 against city rivals Inter but his arrival was not greeted warmly by all.
Respected Italian sports daily Gazzetta Dello Sport held a phone in with one panellist saying:’ Do Milan really need Walker? He’s old, he makes mistakes, and he has a complicated private life.’
The ex Man 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.