Kyle Walker reveals reason for leaving Man City

Kyle Walker has spoken about his decision to leave Manchester City to join Premier League side Burnley. Walker had left Etihad Stadium in January to join Serie A giants AC Milan on a temporary loan deal.

The former Manchester City star has reflected on a decision he made a few months ago and is seemingly not convinced by the choice he has made. Walker has described his move to leave the Manchester-based team as selfish, given the poor circumstances that City were in when he embarked on the plane for Milan.

AC Milan treaded cautiously in the loan deal that could have been made permanent. The Italian side were not impressed by the form displayed by the English full-back since his arrival at the San Siro Stadium. An injury to Walker’s elbow served as the final nail in the coffin for the permanent move, with AC Milan pulling out and seeking answers elsewhere.

What did Walker make a ‘selfish’ decision?

Manchester City were not in full motion last year and were going through the worst run of form since Pep Guardiola set foot on English soil. The Citizens struggled domestically and in Europe. The Spanish boss also did not have the services of Rodri at his disposal, who was an instrumental part of the team. Rodri remained absent for a prolonged part of the season due to his injury concerns.

Kyle Walker was the captain of the team and was himself undergoing poor form with shabby displays in defence of goal. The full-back reflects on his choice of heading for the exit doors mid-way through the season, despite being the club captain, as ‘selfish’. He should have dealt with the situation differently and stood up for his teammates and supporters when they needed him the most.

What has Walker said?

Walker recently spoke from his heart to Sky Sports and also addressed the chatter surrounding his transfer away from Manchester City. The player also admitted that he was completely blinded by the turn of events then and failed to realise his responsibilities as the leader of the Manchester City unit. Kyle Walker has been quoted as saying –

“I should have stood by or next to my team-mates, next to my friends and people who I class as my family. But for the first time probably in my career I was selfish and I thought about myself and I wanted to play football.

When a club like AC Milan comes I didn’t think I could turn them down.

I don’t regret it as I always wanted to play abroad and experience that. I’m glad I did the sixth months, but I probably could have done a bit better.”

Walker’s off-field antics and Hollywood-esque personal life drama involving his wife and other affairs overshadowed Walker’s time in Milan. The defender now remains focused on project Turf Moor with the club aiming to stay in the English top flight. Walker’s experience and technical soundness will certainly come in handy for Burnley this season.