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Kyle Walker opens up on one thing he regrets about Man City exit - 'Selfish'
Oct 11 2025 10:38 · By Scott Trotter/Sports Writer
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Kyle Walker believes he was "selfish" in leaving Manchester City for AC Milan in January . The England defender made the switch to Serie A on loan in the midst of a difficult period for Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League .
City were left to fight for a place in the Champions League having won four titles on the bounce after enduring their worst run of form since the Catalan coach's arrival. And Walker , who was captain at the time, reckons he made the incorrect decision in departing midway through that campaign.
The 35-year-old made 16 appearances for the Italian giants after completing his move but lost his place in the starting XI as the season drew to a close. The Rossoneri would decide against taking up their option to sign Walker permanently, who went on to join Burnley this summer .
Walker has questioned his own decision not to spend his final six months at the Etihad, opting to go in search of greater playing time. He told Sky Sports : "Should I have left and gone on loan to AC Milan? I was the club captain, and you're the first one in line when things are not going really well.
"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.
"I don't see it as a bad reason but I wasn't happy sitting on the bench and getting a game here, there and whenever. I felt that I still had a point to prove that I could still play at a high level.
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"When a club like AC Milan comes I didn't think I could turn them down. When I came back in the summer I had time to reflect on it.
"But then I don't regret it as I always wanted to play abroad and experience that. I'm glad I did the sixth months, but I probably could have done a bit better."
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