Topics: Kyle Walker, Manchester City, Premier League, Burnley, Pep Guardiola
Kyle Walker has opened up on why he left Manchester City, admitting he "felt like the excuse" during the club's uncharacteristically poor campaign in 2024/25.
To the surprise of many, Walker asked to leave then-Premier League champions City in January 2025 and "expressed an interest to go and play abroad" after seven trophy-laden years at the club.
The defender, who made 319 appearances for the Citizens, would join Serie A giants AC Milan on a season-long loan after being persuaded to make the switch by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
On his arrival at the San Siro, Walker admitted it was "not a comfortable conversation" when he told Pep Guardiola he wanted to leave for more game time.
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"When I spoke with Pep it was not a very comfortable conversation because of the respect that we both have for each other and what we've achieved at Manchester City," he said at his unveiling.
Since his much-talked-about departure, Walker has been relatively quiet about leaving City.
But this week, the 35-year-old has opened up on his exit as he made some interesting comments about being "the excuse" for their poor performances, despite "big players" going missing.
Speaking on his decision to leave, Walker told The Telegraph: "I wasn't playing. I have the utmost respect for Manchester City fans. They have been incredible, incredible. We've given them fantastic moments. True fans who stuck with us through good and bad.
"But I felt, I don't want to say scapegoat because I don't want to bring out the violins. But I was the captain and the team wasn't doing well."
He added: "There were big players missing in a big period in that season and I just felt like I was getting, not blamed. I won't say blamed but I felt I was the excuse because I was the captain."
Walker also admitted that he "probably shouldn't have left" the club amid their struggles. "Should I have left the team, looking back at it? Probably not," he said.
"I probably should have stuck by the lads and came through the sticky patch together. But sometimes selfishly, you look at yourself and kind of think. 'okay, well, let me go and experience something different.'"
The England international recently joined newly-promoted Burnley from Manchester City for a fee of up to £5 million. He penned a two-deal at Turf Moor.
Speaking on hearing about their interest, Walker said: "My agent said Burnley are interested and he kind of said, 'Am I a bit stupid in asking if you want to go there?', And I said, 'No, definitely not, I'd love to speak to Scott."
