Pep Guardiola was left frustrated after Kyle Walker approached Manchester City’s hierarchy to push for a January exit rather than discussing it directly with him.
The England defender, who had spent nearly eight years at the Etihad Stadium under Guardiola, ultimately joined AC Milan during the transfer window.
The Catalan coach was disappointed that Kyle Walker chose to speak with Txiki Begiristain instead of approaching him directly.
Pep Guardiola, who has maintained a close relationship with the player, believed Walker would have been open enough to bring the matter to him first, according to The Athletic.
The 34-year-old admitted that when he eventually spoke to Guardiola, it wasn’t an easy conversation.
Reflecting on his departure from Manchester City, Walker acknowledged his deep attachment to the club.
“When I spoke with Pep, it wasn’t a very comfortable conversation – mainly because of the respect we have for each other,” he 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.
“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: “It’s what I have to do. With my age and my experience, I can pass this message to the younger ones, but I can’t do it alone.
“There are also other leaders, but maybe there’s a lack of confidence. Consistency in results is needed.
“The coach changed, but I believe Conceição has good ideas, solid foundations to build the team.
“Sometimes, discipline is needed, that fire inside that must be transmitted to others and that has perhaps been lacking lately.
“I hope Rubs (Loftus-Cheek), Fik (Tomori), and Tammy (Abraham) can have confidence in me.
“I hope my teammates can follow me on the field.
“I’ve won a lot in my career, but I come here hoping to win many more trophies with Milan.”
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