Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Kyle Walker after the defender completed a loan move to AC Milan for the remainder of the season.
Walker' move from the Premier League champions was confirmed on Friday night, with the veteran penning a heartfelt social media message to the club, their fans, and his family and wife, Annie Kilner.
The 34-year-old's switch to Italy comes just under a fortnight after Guardiola revealed Walker was keen for a fresh start elsewhere and sources close to the player quickly ruled out the potential of the Saudi Pro League.
Ahead of Saturday's crunch clash with Chelsea, the City boss thanked Walker, saying: 'Thank you so much for the seven years you've been with us. For the amount of trophies, for the consistency, for being a very important figure.
'I said personally to him and I said in front of the group that I wish him all the best for him and his family.'
Guardiola snapped when asked if City will miss Walker's influence amid their struggles. The Spaniard Said: 'He decided to leave.'
Having played for City for nearly eight years, Walker has struggled for form this season, coinciding with issues in his wider private life which been played out in the public domain as he battles to save his marriage.
Walker is set to start the new chapter of his life alongside his wife Annie Kilner and their four children after the couple seemingly patched up their relationship having been on the verge of divorce.
The defender took to social media to pin a goodbye message to City and their fans as he prepares to start his new life abroad.
'Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.
'To play alongside so many top players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity I've had at the Etihad.
'A huge thank you to so many people, the coaching staff, the kit men and all the backroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes. You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform at our best.
'To my teammates, from the moment I walked through the door I felt at home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.
'To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we've celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I'll be forever grateful.
'To Annie, our children and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.
'Most importantly, to the fans—thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one. Your unwavering support, week in, week out, home and away, will never be forgotten.
'I wish you all constant success going forward. Thank you. Kyle.'
During his time at the Etihad, Walker lifted 17 trophies, including winning six Premier League titles.
Milan are paying all of Walker's sizeable wages through the duration of the loan. Matheus Nunes has been filling in as City's right back in recent weeks.
Walker's City contract expires in 2026, but it appears inevitable that he will depart permanently in the summer after making his desire to end his career abroad clear.
Read more 2025-01-24T23:46:00Z