Kyle Walker claims he made 'selfish' decision for first time in career after leaving Man City for AC Milan

Walker joined Milan on loan in the mid-season transfer window in an attempt to regain his form after a torrid start to last season. The right-back saw his pace and performance levels drop off a cliff and was part of a faltering City side that went on their worst ever run under the Spanish coach. City, who had won the previous four titles, fell apart following an injury to key midfielder Rodri and found themselves cut adrift of eventual league winners Liverpool.

Amid their awful form, Walker decided to jump ship and join the Rossoneri, with a view to remaining in Milan beyond the initial loan spell. However, owing to mixed form and then a fracture to his elbow, the club opted against signing the defender on a permanent basis.

Newly-promoted Burnley swooped to sign Walker in the summer, where the defender is hoping to use his experience to help marshal a pretty mean defence to Premier League survival. Yet, reflecting on that initial exit from City, Walker now feels that he let his team-mates down.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Walker said he made the wrong choice to leave City when they were on their worst run of form in decades. He noted that his position as the club captain made him “the first one in line when things are not going really well” and, given that, he asked: “At that time in the season, should I have left? Looking back at it now, probably no.

“I should have stood by or next to my team-mates, next to my friends and people who I class as my family. But for the first time probably in my career I was selfish and I thought about myself and I wanted to play football.”

Walker added that he had not been happy sitting on the bench and he wanted to prove a point by moving to Milan. Walker felt he could show he could still play at the highest level and, he said, “when a club like AC Milan comes I didn't think I could turn them down.”

Since returning to England after the move, Walker has had time to reflect on his time in Italy. “I don't regret it as I always wanted to play abroad and experience that,” he said. “I'm glad I did the sixth months, but I probably could have done a bit better.”

Walker’s move to Burnley certainly raised a few eyebrows, with many fans shocked at the six-time Premier League champion swapping the San Siro and Etihad for Turf Moor. Yet, the defender was clearly out of favour with Guardiola and needed a new club where he could settle after a tumultuous time on and off the field.

Walker’s personal life has grabbed many headlines in the past year, with his marriage to Annie Kilner rocked by his affair with model and influencer Lauryn Goodman. The defender’s affairs were well documented and his name was never too far from a dramatic news story in the press.

The right-back’s move to Italy could have provided an escape from the media scrutiny that shrouded him both on and off the pitch, but it appeared as if the chaos followed him to Milan. Kilner and Goodman’s public feud rolled on as the defender’s bad behaviour kept catching up with him.

Walker will have to use every ounce of his knowledge and his experience if he is to help Burnley keep their status as a Premier League side beyond this campaign. The Clarets have made a spirited start to life back in the top flight, even if their points tally and position in the table leaves little to be desired.

Scott Parker’s team have just four points from the opening seven games, winning just once against Sunderland, also recently promoted from the Championship. The extra point came in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, but the Clarets can count themselves unlucky for not having at least a few more points in the bank after late defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool.