I WAS FORCED TO LEAVE Manchester City, I wanted to stay but he Chased me out”

The football world was left stunned when Kyle Walker, one of Manchester City’s most decorated players and former captain, completed his move to AC Milan in January 2025. What appeared to be a straightforward loan transfer to Serie A giants quickly revealed itself to be a far more complex and emotionally charged departure than many initially realized. Walker’s candid revelations about his exit from the Etihad Stadium have exposed the uncomfortable realities of modern football, where even the most successful players can find themselves pushed toward the exit door.

The Uncomfortable Conversation That Changed Everything

Kyle Walker has revealed it was “not a comfortable conversation” when he told Pep Guardiola he wanted to leave Manchester City for more gametime. The 34-year-old England international, who had been an integral part of City’s unprecedented success since joining from Tottenham in 2017, found himself in the difficult position of having to request a move away from the club that had become his home.

“When I spoke with Pep, it wasn’t a very comfortable conversation – mainly because of the respect we have for each other,” Walker explained. “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.”

This conversation, which Walker describes as one of the most difficult of his career, encapsulated the complex relationship between player and manager at the highest level of football. Despite their mutual respect and shared success, Walker felt compelled to seek a new challenge, while Guardiola, though understanding, had to make decisions based on the team’s evolving needs.

A Decorated Career Under Pressure

Walker’s Manchester City career has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 34-year-old helped City win 17 trophies since joining the club in 2017, establishing himself as one of the most successful full-backs in Premier League history. His trophy cabinet from his time at City includes multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and the coveted Champions League trophy that City claimed in 2023.

However, success on the pitch couldn’t mask the growing frustration Walker felt regarding his playing time. Walker, 34, has made 15 Premier League appearances for Man City this season, a significant reduction from his previous role as an undisputed starter. The emergence of younger players and tactical changes implemented by Guardiola meant that Walker’s position in the team was no longer guaranteed.

The writing was on the wall when Walker was notably absent from City’s squad for several key matches. Walker was left out of City’s squad for their 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford, a decision that sent shockwaves through the football community and signaled that his time at the Etihad was coming to an end.

Guardiola’s Revelation and the End of an Era

The catalyst for Walker’s departure became public knowledge when Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker wants to go to another country. The Spanish manager, known for his tactical acumen and man-management skills, found himself in the difficult position of managing a player who had given everything to the club but was no longer satisfied with his role.

“We cannot understand [what] the club did these years without Kyle,” said Pep. “It’s impossible.” These words from Guardiola highlighted the genuine appreciation he had for Walker’s contributions while also acknowledging that the time had come for both parties to part ways.

Guardiola’s public acknowledgment of Walker’s desire to leave was both a mark of respect for the player’s service and a pragmatic recognition that keeping an unhappy player would benefit neither the individual nor the team. After City’s 8-0 FA Cup third round victory against Salford earlier this month, Guardiola, 54, revealed that Walker “asked to explore the options to play abroad”.

The Search for a New Challenge

Walker’s decision to seek a move abroad was driven by his desire for regular playing time and a fresh challenge in the twilight of his career. Having achieved everything possible at Manchester City, the veteran defender felt the need to prove himself in a different environment and culture. His age, while still allowing him to compete at the highest level, made him realize that opportunities like this might not come again.

The defender’s ambition to play in Serie A represented more than just a career move; it was an opportunity to test himself against different tactical systems and playing styles. Italian football, with its emphasis on tactical discipline and defensive solidity, offered Walker the chance to showcase his versatility and adapt his game to new challenges.

AC Milan: The Perfect Destination

AC Milan is pleased to announce the loan signing of Kyle Andrew Walker from Manchester City FC, with an option to buy. The move to San Siro represented a perfect confluence of Walker’s ambitions and Milan’s needs. The Rossoneri, with their rich history and current aspirations to return to the pinnacle of European football, offered Walker the platform he needed to continue competing at the highest level.

Walker has joined the Italian side on loan until the end of the season. Milan also have an option to make the move permanent in the summer, but there is no obligation. This structure gave both parties flexibility while allowing Walker to prove his worth in a new environment.

The loan deal, worth around £4.2m (€5m), according to Sky in Italy, represented excellent value for Milan while providing Walker with the opportunity he craved. The financial terms of the deal reflected Walker’s experience and quality, despite his desire to leave Manchester City.

Learning from a Legend

Walker’s preparation for his Milan adventure included seeking advice from one of the club’s most iconic figures. He expressed his ambition and excitement about joining the club, mentioning that he had conversations with Ibrahimovic, who had clarified many things for him and had spoken highly about the club’s ambitions.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now serving in a senior role at Milan, provided Walker with invaluable insights into the club’s culture, expectations, and ambitions. These conversations helped Walker understand what would be required of him at his new club and reinforced his belief that Milan was the right destination for this stage of his career.

The Swedish legend’s guidance proved crucial in Walker’s decision-making process, offering him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at Milan and in Serie A. Ibrahimovic’s emphasis on the importance of major trophies, particularly the Champions League, resonated with Walker’s own ambitions.

The Emotional Toll of Departure

Walker’s departure from Manchester City was not just a professional decision; it was an emotional upheaval that affected him deeply. Having spent over seven years at the club, forming close relationships with teammates, staff, and fans, leaving represented a significant personal challenge.

The defender’s role as a leader in the dressing room made his departure even more poignant. Walker had been instrumental in maintaining team morale and fostering a positive atmosphere, qualities that Guardiola and his teammates valued highly. His ability to bridge the gap between different generations of players and his experience in high-pressure situations made him an invaluable asset beyond his on-field contributions.

The mutual respect between Walker and Guardiola, evident in their public statements about each other, highlighted the human side of football transfers. Despite the professional necessity of the move, both men clearly found the separation difficult, testament to the strong working relationship they had built over the years.

Ambitions at San Siro

Walker’s move to Milan was driven by specific ambitions that extended beyond simply securing regular playing time. His primary goal was to help Milan return to the summit of European football, with the Champions League representing the ultimate prize. Having experienced the thrill of winning Europe’s premier competition with Manchester City, Walker understood the magnitude of the challenge that awaited him at Milan.

The defender’s determination to prove himself in a new environment was evident in his commitment to the project at Milan. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Walker remained hungry for success and eager to demonstrate that his best days were not behind him. His professional attitude and winning mentality were seen as crucial factors in Milan’s pursuit of major honors.

Walker’s Champions League experience, gained through his years at City, was viewed as invaluable by Milan’s management. His understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level, combined with his leadership qualities, made him an ideal addition to a squad with European ambitions.

The Tactical Adjustment

Moving from Guardiola’s system at Manchester City to the tactical demands of Serie A represented a significant challenge for Walker. Italian football’s emphasis on defensive discipline and tactical sophistication required the defender to adapt his game while maintaining the attacking threat that had made him so valuable throughout his career.

Walker’s pace and attacking instincts, which had been crucial to City’s success, needed to be balanced with the defensive responsibilities that Serie A demanded. His experience and football intelligence suggested that he could make this adjustment successfully, but it would require dedication and adaptation from a player who had become accustomed to a particular style of play.

The defender’s versatility was seen as one of his greatest assets in making this transition. His ability to play in different positions and adapt to varying tactical systems gave Milan’s coaching staff multiple options for utilizing his skills effectively.

The Legacy Question

Walker’s departure from Manchester City raised questions about how he would be remembered at the club. His contribution to City’s success was undeniable, but the manner of his leaving – requesting a move due to limited playing time – added complexity to his legacy. Would he be remembered as a key figure in City’s golden era, or would his departure overshadow his achievements?

The reality is that Walker’s legacy at Manchester City is secure. His 17 trophies with the club, his role in their Champions League triumph, and his years of consistent performance at the highest level ensure that he will be remembered fondly by City fans. His departure, while disappointing for supporters, was viewed with understanding given his age and desire for regular football.

Walker’s honesty about his situation and his respectful approach to leaving the club actually enhanced his reputation among many observers. His willingness to seek a new challenge rather than accepting a diminished role showed the competitive spirit that had made him successful throughout his career.

The Future Implications

Walker’s move to Milan had implications beyond the immediate transfer. It demonstrated that even the most successful players could find themselves marginalized if they couldn’t adapt to changing circumstances. His situation highlighted the ruthless nature of modern football, where loyalty and past achievements don’t guarantee future opportunities.

The former City captain, whose contract at the club runs until 2026, left the club in January to join AC Milan on loan until the end of the season. While the Serie A side have an option to make the deal permanent in the summer, the 34-year-old suggested he could return to the Etihad Stadium. This revelation added another layer of complexity to Walker’s departure, suggesting that his Manchester City story might not be completely over.

The possibility of a return to City, while remote, indicated that Walker viewed his Milan move as potentially temporary. His desire to prove himself in Italy could be seen as preparation for a possible return to the Premier League, where he could demonstrate that he still had the quality to compete at the highest level.

Conclusion: A Difficult but Necessary Decision

Kyle Walker’s departure from Manchester City represents one of the most complex and emotionally charged transfers in recent memory. His candid admission about being “forced to leave” and the uncomfortable nature of his conversation with Pep Guardiola revealed the human side of football that is often hidden from public view.

The move to AC Milan offered Walker the opportunity to continue his career at the highest level while pursuing new challenges and maintaining his competitive edge. His ambition to win the Champions League with Milan and his determination to prove his worth in Serie A demonstrated that, despite his age, he remained driven by the same competitive spirit that had defined his career.

Walker’s story serves as a reminder that in modern football, even the most successful and decorated players can find themselves in difficult situations. His handling of his departure – with dignity, respect, and honesty – showed why he had been such a valuable leader throughout his career.

As Walker embarks on his Italian adventure, he carries with him the experience and wisdom gained from his years at Manchester City. His success at Milan will ultimately determine how this chapter of his career is remembered, but his willingness to embrace a new challenge at this stage of his career deserves respect and admiration.

The football world will be watching to see whether Walker can help Milan achieve their European ambitions, and whether his departure from Manchester City will ultimately be viewed as a brave decision that rejuvenated his career or a move that marked the beginning of his decline. Only time will tell, but Walker’s track record of success suggests that he has the qualities necessary to thrive in his new environment.

His story is far from over, and the next chapter at San Siro promises to be as compelling as his remarkable journey at Manchester City. Whether he returns to England or makes Italy his permanent home, Kyle Walker’s legacy as one of the finest full-backs of his generation is already secure, built on a foundation of success, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.