David Beckham's blessing! Kyle Walker sought AC Milan shirt ‘permission’ from ex-England captain before taking No.32 jersey at San Siro

Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Beckham, who is now working with Lionel Messi as co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami, took in two stints at San Siro when completing loan moves from the LA Galaxy in 2009 and 2010.

Walker has trodden a similar path, with the experienced full-back linking up with Milan on an initial short-term loan from Premier League champions Manchester City. The 34-year-old is embracing a new challenge and following in some illustrious footsteps.

Walker has told GQ Magazine when asked if he is hoping to emulate Beckham after taking the same No.32 jersey: “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.”

Walker has moved to Milan in a bid to escape the drama that off-field issues have been causing in England. He is yet to be joined in Italy on a permanent basis by wife Annie Kilner, having fathered two children outside of that relationship with former Love Island contestant Lauryn Goodman.