At a press conference, Pep Guardiola sat still, visibly troubled. He was asked whether Manchester City would miss Kyle Walker for the rest of the season, and from his tired eyes and response, it was clear how much the City coach would miss him. With a lowered head, Guardiola said, “He has decided to leave.” He went on to explain why Walker’s departure would be a big loss: “Our fastest and most solid defender has decided to leave.”
Walker was not just a pillar of Manchester City’s defense, but also the team’s captain. While the captain’s role may not always seem significant on the field, it’s tough for supporters when a leader leaves during difficult times for the club.
Guardiola was informed of Walker’s decision to leave last January. Even after the 2023 treble win, Walker had mentioned wanting to leave when Bayern Munich came calling. However, City didn’t feel the offer was right. In January, when asked why Walker was absent from a match against Salford City, Guardiola confirmed that the captain wanted to leave. Within about two weeks, Walker’s wish became reality.
Now, for the remainder of the season, Walker has joined AC Milan on loan. The 34-year-old right-back passed his medical exams with the seven-time European champions and will have the option to make the move permanent after his loan expires. Both Milan and City confirmed the news yesterday.
After a 2-1 loss to Manchester United on December 15, Walker struggled to find a place in City’s lineup. This departure comes at a tough time for the club, which is facing a rough patch. With 38 points from 22 matches, City is in fifth place in the Premier League. In the Champions League, they are on the brink of elimination, with their fate depending on the next match. Guardiola noted that no one fears City anymore. “Before, teams didn’t mark our players. They’d retreat when coming to the Etihad,” he said. But now, City is falling behind.
In his seven years at City, Walker won six Premier League titles and a Champions League. Now, he will join Milan, where he will wear David Beckham’s number 32 jersey and team up with England’s Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tammy Abraham.
On Instagram, Walker bid farewell to City, thanking the coaching staff, kit men, and everyone who made each day enjoyable. He thanked his teammates, calling them lifelong family. He also expressed gratitude to Guardiola for his trust and support, saying, “We won 17 trophies together, and under your guidance, I became the player I am today. I will be forever grateful.”
Walker joined City in 2017 from Tottenham for £50 million. He played 319 matches for the club, and his last game was on January 4, 2023, against West Ham.
Now, Walker is starting a new chapter in Italy with his family. Despite rumors of a divorce with his wife, Kilner, the couple has reconciled. They have four children, including a daughter born in 2022 from Walker’s relationship with reality star Lauren Goodman, and a son born in 2020. The family reunited over Christmas.
Walker cited the call from an old friend, Tammy Abraham, as the reason for his move to Milan, saying, “Tammy said I should come, and he helped me make the decision. The Milan fans are incredible. I’ll be moved when I hear their songs.” Walker will wear Beckham’s iconic number 32 jersey at Milan.
