Kyle Walker: 'I probably shouldn't have left City' | OneFootball

Burnley defender Kyle Walker has lifted the lid on his departure from Manchester City - and admitted that, in hindsight, he "shouldn't have left"  the Cityzens to join AC Milan in January. In an interview with Sky Sports, Walker discussed his exit early this year. The former Manchester City captain had enjoyed a glittering and trophy-laden time under Pep Guardiola, but opted to move abroad in the midst of a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.

"I was the captain of the club and, as such, I should have been at the forefront when things went wrong. So, looking back, probably not, I shouldn't have left. I think it would have been a wiser decision to stay with my teammates, my friends, the people I consider family.

"I regret having left them. It was the first time in my career that I was selfish," stated Walker.

However, the decorated defender acknowledged that he had his reasons for leaving, with more game-time at Milan a driving factor.

"I wanted to be a regular starter, I felt that I could still play at the highest level," he added. "Moreover, I was always attracted by the idea of playing abroad, and when a team like Milan makes you an offer, it's hard to say no."

In Italy, the 35-year-old player made 16 appearances before returning to England to join Burnley this summer. Walker has played seven games for the Clarets this term.