‘Can’t say no’ - Why Kyle Walker left Man City in tears but says ‘chapter’s not fully closed’ after agreeing AC Milan loan transfer

The 34-year-old defender was offered the opportunity to head for Italy during the winter transfer window. Having achieved so much in England, as a Premier League and Champions League title winner, the decision was taken to step out of a professional comfort zone.

Pep Guardiola was happy to grant Walker’s wishes once it became apparent that he wanted to trade the Etihad Stadium for San Siro, with City reluctant to keep any player against their wishes. The appeal of Milan was obvious to all of those in Manchester.

Speaking on the Kyle Walker Podcast about why he agreed to an Italian job, the England international said: “In football, I think when certain things come, or certain opportunities come, you have to take it...You have to take it, and for me to experience a different league, for me to experience a different culture, for me to play for a club like AC Milan...I don't think you can turn that down, and when you know they want you, or you want to go there, and you want to have a new challenge, I think there are certain clubs in the world that you kind of can't say no to.”

While Walker was happy to pack his bags, he found it tough to sever ties with City and claims his adventure there may not be over. He added: “I said to the team manager...the player liaison officer, I said that I wanted to say goodbye to the lads in the canteen before I left when I knew the deal was complete. And he actually texted the whole building!

“So, there were 150 people there and I had to say goodbye, which was a little bit nerve wracking, and it was sad because as much as people might have this persona about me or whatever, I did speak to completely everyone in that building from the cleaners, to the cooks, to the kit men, to the physios...There was the lady there, Emma, that would be behind the counter and serve you food, or get your drinks and whatever, and even when I looked over at her, I wanted to cry because it was like every day I've said, 'Morning' to you and given you a cuddle, and all of a sudden now I'm not going to see you anymore, and you don't think about that when the process is happening, but then when you come to say goodbye, it's hard.

“But, after I said my goodbyes, Pep got up and spoke and said a really nice message to me, just saying thank you for everything. But, listen, it's not over. I'm just on loan here. I've got to take that into consideration that I can go back. Obviously, both parties need to come to an agreement come the end of the season and… listen, the chapter's not fully closed, but we'll see what happens.”

Walker’s contract at City is due to run until the summer of 2026. The expectation is, however, that - having escaped much of the drama that was clouding his personal life in England - a permanent deal will be struck with Milan at some stage.