Kyle Walker reveals message from David Beckham after asking permission to wear same AC Milan shirt number
Beckham picked shirt numbers made famous by basketball stars
KYLE WALKER has revealed he got permission from David Beckham to wear his shirt number at AC Milan.
The right-back joined the Italian giants from Manchester City on loan with a £4.2million option to buy in January.
Walker took the No32 shirt at San Siro, which is the same kit number Beckham had during his two years in Milan.
He told that he spoke to the England legend before joining the club and even asked for permission to wear his old number.
Walker said: “I don’t think I can emulate David Beckham for what he did for football, both on and off the field. He changed football.
“He messaged me, and I said, ‘I hope you don’t mind me taking your number’.
“He says, ‘No, it’s an honour; do it proud’.
“Hopefully I can keep performing well, keep getting the wins for the team.
“It was an honour for him to give me a message just to say that I can have permission to wear the top.”
Beckham chose the No32 shirt when he arrived in Milan as his usual No7 and No23 were not available.
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He first opted for No23 at Real Madrid as it was basketball hero Michael Jordan’s number.
Flipping the digits was not the only reason behind Beckham’s Milan choice, with him admitting basketball was again part of his decision as No32 is synonymous with Magic Johnson.
Since Walker made the move to the Serie A side, he has featured five times and suffered just one defeat.
However, he was hooked off at half-time in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona.
It came just four days after being given a torrid time in the 1-0 Champions League loss to Feyenoord by Premier League transfer target Igor Paixao.