Wayne Rooney makes expert observation about Man City's defeat to Real Madrid that no-one else has mentioned

Wayne Rooney made an expert observation about Manchester City's crushing defeat to Real Madrid that no-one else has mentioned.

Man City succumbed to a late Jude Bellingham winner as Real ran out 3-2 winners in the first-leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday.

The Blues had taken the lead through Erling Haaland, who then put his side back in front following Kylian Mbappe's equaliser.

Brahim Diaz made it 2-2 in the 86th minute before Bellingham grabbed his side's winner in stoppage time.

Speaking after the result, Rooney spotted what Man City players did following the final whistle that will 'worry' Pep Guardiola.

He also made a fascinating observation that no-one else has talked about.

The Manchester United and England legend bemoaned the transfer of Kyle Walker, who left Man City for AC Milan on loan until the end of the season.

He questioned Man City's decision to offload Walker, calling it 'strange' and an 'odd' piece of business in a stinging assessment.

"I think you see the importance of Kyle Walker over the last seven or eight years for Manchester City," he explained on Amazon Prime.

"It’s so strange seeing Walker being allowed to go out on loan to AC Milan. Akanji is obviously not a right-back, at this point of the season when Manchester City is struggling, Walker is the captain of the football club, to allow him to go on loan, for me, is really odd."

Kyle Walker in action for AC Milan following his transfer from Manchester City. Image: Getty

Clarence Seedorf and Gael Clichy both agreed with Rooney's claim about Walker.

Seedorf added: "He allowing the team to play the way they play and recover any mistakes or deep balls. I remember the battles with Vicinius Jr last season."

Walker played over 300 games for Man City and helped the Blues to Champions League glory in the 2022/23 season.

But he departed the Etihad last month, signing for Milan on an initial loan, with the Serie A giants having an option to buy him in the summer.