Kyle Walker reveals how Man City exit conversation went with Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Kyle Walker has admitted that talking to Pep Guardiola about leaving Manchester City "wasn't a very comfortable conversation", primarily because of the respect he holds for the six-time Premier League winner.

34-year-old Walker joined AC Milan last Friday on a six-month loan that includes an option to buy in the summer, ending a near eight-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

The veteran full-back had been a constant in Guardiola's side since his arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £50m, making 319 appearances across all competitions.

But a dip in form, coupled with the emergence of Rico Lewis and versatility of others such as Matheus Nunes, had seen Walker's minutes begin to dwindle at City, leading the Sheffield United academy graduate to conclude that it was time to try something new.

Walker promptly decided to speak to Guardiola about his desire to take on a new challenge, but has revealed that it wasn't an easy chat to have.

"When I spoke with Pep, it wasn't a very comfortable conversation – mainly because of the respect we have for each other," Walker said. "What he's won at Manchester City, I've won it too. I like to think he knows what I bring to a dressing room, the atmosphere I create.

Guardiola and Walker had a special bond at Manchester City / Visionhaus/GettyImages

"City was my family – from the cooks to the cleaners, the kit men and physios. I like to think I was liked and helped everyone blend in. But things weren't going well there and I wasn't playing enough football. Hopefully I can play a bit more here.

Walker added: "I could have stayed in Manchester, I would have honoured the contract if they hadn’t let me leave because that’s me as a person. But it comes down to challenges where you think ‘OK I need to try something different’.

"I've spoken to many ex-players who never moved abroad and told me they wished they had. If it hadn’t been a big club I’d have stayed with City. There are only certain clubs you can’t say no to and this was the opportunity I wanted, I had a gut feeling."

Walker's first appearance for his new club could come in the biggest game possible - Milan face off against rivals Inter at San Siro on Sunday.