WALK OF LIFE
Inside Kyle Walker’s life in Milan, from five star Melia Milano hotel stay to dining at rival footballer’s restaurant
Walker recently dined out a restaurant owned by a rival footballer
KYLE Walker is settling into life at AC Milan with ease.
The England defender, 34, joined the Serie A giants after eight trophy-laden years with Manchester City.
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But, a new challenge in Italy is just the ticket for Walker in his twilight years.
He made his debut against fierce rivals Inter in a 1-1 draw last weekend, and followed that up with an impressive performance in the 3-1 Coppa Italia win over Roma.
Away from the pitch, Walker is enjoying his stay at the five-star Melia Milano hotel.
It's a 40-minute journey to the training ground, while he's closer to the San Siro Stadium, which is a 10-minute drive.
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Walker, who has amassed a £27million fortune, has already enjoyed the fine cuisine of Milan.
Recently, he dined out at the exclusive Coraje restaurant - owned by a rival Inter Milan footballer.
SunSport takes a look into Walker's life in the industrial city.
Where he's staying
While Walker is acclimatising to his new surroundings, he is staying at the five Melia Milano hotel in the city centre.
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If his six-month loan is a success, and the deal becomes permanent, expect him to splash the cash on a lavish place of his own.
Kyle Walker's wife Annie Kilner set to get £750k to star in Celeb Big Brother - but only if bosses agree to strict rule
Rooms at the sleek and stylish Melia Milano start at £400-per-night and can cost as much as £880-per-night for a business suite.
It is believed that AC Milan negotiated a deal for Walker to have a premium room at the hotel.
The Italian club regularly house new arrivals there, when the player's arrive from foreign shores on loan.
On the hotel's website, it claims it boasts 'innovative design and elegance'.
It is perfectly located - just 15 minutes drive from fashionable boutiques, including Prada, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.
While restaurants Hollywood and Crazy Pizza are close by - and firm favourites for Milan's stars and their Wags.
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Where he's playing
Luckily for Walker, the Melia Milano is just an eight minute drive to the San Siro, where his club play their home games.
He could even walk the 1.1 miles distance in next to no time.
However, Milan's stunning training ground is a bit more of a trek.
The Milanello Sports Center is found on a 300 metre high hill, some 31 miles away from the centre and close to the old town of Varese - famed for its art-nouveau villas.
Surrounded by a pine forest and pond, not only does it offer its players tranquility - there's state-of-the-art gyms, medical facilities and numerous pitches.
The most interesting of those is 'the cage' - which is surrounded by a 2.30 metre wall and a 2.50 metre high fence.
The idea is for the ball to stay continuously in play, which increases the speed of handling the game.
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Utilising its location, there is a 1,200 metre path in the woods used for physical training, like jogging and cycling, and for the rehabilitation of injured players.
Who he's playing with
Walker should feel at home in Milan - thanks to some familiar faces.
For he is one of four English players currently on Milan's roster.
That includes starting striker Tammy Abraham, who is on loan from Roma, ex-Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and England defender Fikayo Tomori.
Better still, Milan also boast a who's who of former Premier League talent, who Walker will have come up against in the past.
The like of Christian Pulisic, Emerson Royal, and fellow loanee Joao Felix all will ply their trade at AC Milan as Walker settles in.
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Where he's eating
We mentioned Hollywood and Crazy Pizza as the places as hotspots for Serie A's finest, but in his first few days in the city Walker dined at the posh Coraje eaterie.
Intriguingly, for an AC Milan star at least, a visit there is like treading on enemy territory.
It is co-owned by Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez and his gorgeous Wag Agustina Gandolfo.
Walker was joined by an entourage of Milan officials, which meant safety in numbers.
And they would have enjoyed a hearty meal with plenty of mediterranean favourites.
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From rib eye steak to vegetable risottos, seafood, and more the menu is extensive.
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You also don't need to earn a footballer's salary to dine there - with mains costing anywhere between £17 to £30.
It's safe to say, Walker's got it made in Milan.
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