Kyle Walker has opened up about the “uncomfortable” conversation he had with Pep Guardiola before leaving Manchester City to join AC Milan on a six-month loan deal. The agreement includes an option for the Italian club to purchase the 34-year-old for €5m (£4.2m) in the summer.
After nearly eight years at the Etihad Stadium, during which Walker made 319 appearances and won numerous trophies under Guardiola, the England international felt it was time for a new challenge. Speaking about the decision, Walker reflected on his respect for Guardiola and the emotional difficulty of leaving a club that had become like family to him.
The Conversation with Guardiola
“When I spoke with Pep, it wasn’t a very comfortable conversation – mainly because of the respect we have for each other,” Walker admitted. “What he’s won at Manchester City, I’ve won it too. I like to think he knows what I bring to a dressing room, the atmosphere I create.”
Walker emphasized the strong bonds he had formed at City:
“City was my family – from the cooks to the cleaners, the kit men and physios. I like to think I was liked and helped everyone blend in. But things weren’t going well there, and I wasn’t playing enough football. Hopefully, I can play a bit more here.”
Why Walker Chose to Leave
The veteran full-back revealed that reduced playing time, as younger players like Rico Lewis emerged and others like Matheus Nunes showcased their versatility, prompted him to consider a move abroad.
“I could have stayed in Manchester, I would have honored the contract if they hadn’t let me leave because that’s me as a person,” Walker said. “But it comes down to challenges where you think, ‘OK, I need to try something different.’”
He added:
“I’ve spoken to many ex-players who never moved abroad and told me they wished they had. If it hadn’t been a big club, I’d have stayed with City. There are only certain clubs you can’t say no to, and this was the opportunity I wanted. I had a gut feeling.”
A New Chapter in Milan
Walker is set to make his debut for AC Milan in one of the most anticipated matches of the season – the Derby della Madonnina against Inter at San Siro on Sunday.
“I’m excited to start this new chapter,” Walker said. “It’s a big game to potentially debut in, and I’m ready to give everything for my new team.”
Walker’s departure marks the end of an era at City, but it also opens a new chapter for the experienced defender in Serie A.
