Kalvin Phillips told he's 'too nice' as farewell gesture to Man City squad revealed

Kalvin Phillips has been told he is "too nice" after his farewell gesture at Manchester City.

After finding first-team opportunities hard to come by at the Etihad Stadium, the England international is heading on loan to West Ham, who have an option to buy him.

Phillips joined City in a £45 million move from Leeds in the summer of 2022 and was part of the side which won a historic treble last term.

However, he made just two starts in the Premier League and has only managed another one this season after the fine form of Rodri in the same position.

Despite once branding him "overweight" and recently admitting he "struggled" to see Phillips in his team, Guardiola has regularly praised Phillips for his professionalism and attitude off the pitch.

Image: Getty

Phillips remained a popular member of the squad and he showed his class upon his departure from the club.

According to Jack Gaughan from the Daily Mail, on City's flight back home from a warm weather training camp in Abu Dhabi, the 28-year-old went up and down the plane to thank every single person.

Image: Getty

He conversed with 100 employees from a slew of different departments saying his goodbyes and ensuring no-one was left out.

However, Gaughan goes on to wonder whether Phillips was "ultimately too nice".

Phillips was linked with a number of clubs, including Newcastle, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

However, West Ham have won the race - though Michail Antonio was surprised to learn the news live on Sky Sports on Wednesday night.

Image: Getty

Guardiola recently spoke about feeling bad about Phillips' situation and his lack of game-time.

"I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I've said that many times. He doesn't deserve what has happened to him and I'm so sorry," he said in a press conference.

“The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example. And after that I have to give him something and I didn't do that.”

Guardiola added: “It's just because I visualise some things and visualise the team and things - and I struggle to see him.

“I'm not very pleased [with myself] and I am so sorry for him. I will not say that [to him] because it is a business and I have to be a professional.”

Topics: Kalvin Phillips, Manchester City

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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