Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Kyle Walker after the defender completed a loan movement to AC Milan for the rest of the season.
Walker 'relocation of the Premier League champions was confirmed on Friday evening, with the veteran a sincere social media framework to the club, their fans and his family and wife, Annie Kilner.
The switch from 34-year-old to Italy comes just fewer fourteen days after Guardiola revealed that Walker liked to be a new start elsewhere and sources close to the player quickly exclude the potential of the Saudi Pro League.
In anticipation of the crunch collision with Chelsea, the city boss Walker thanked: 'Thank you very much for the seven years that you have been to us. For the amount of trophies, for consistency, for a very important figure.
“I personally said to him and I told the group that I wish him the very best for him and his family.”
Guardiola snarled when he was asked if City will miss the influence of Walker in the midst of their struggles. The Spaniard said, “He decided to leave.”
Walker played for almost eight years for City this season and struggled this season and coincided with problems in his broader private life who took place in the public domain while fighting to save his marriage.
Walker is ready to start the new chapter of his life alongside his wife Annie Kilner and their four children after the couple apparently resolved their relationship with divorce.
The defender went to social media to pin a farewell message to City and their fans while he prepares to start his new life abroad.
'Manchester City … where do I start? Drawing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true. Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous Treble, was something that I could only have dreamed as a child.
'To play in addition to so many top players, I forced me to be the best version of myself, and I am really grateful for the chance I had at Etihad.
'Thank you to so many people, the coaching staff, the kit men and all back rooms who work tirelessly behind the scenes. You make fun every day and offer the platform for us to perform at our best.
'I felt at home to my teammates, from the moment I walked through the door. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.
'To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and works so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together we celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance helped me with the player I am today. I will be grateful forever.
'Thanks to Annie, our children and my whole family who have been there and on this trip.
'The most important thing is for the fans – thank you for having embraced me from the first day as one of your own. Your relentless support, week in, week out, at home and away, will never be forgotten.
'I wish you all constant success in the future. Thank you. Kyle. '
During his time at Etihad, Walker lifted 17 trophies, including winning six Premier League titles.
Milan pays all considerable wages of Walker during the duration of the loan. Matheus Nunes has immediately filled in as a city in recent weeks.
Walker's city contract expires in 2026, but it seems inevitable that he will leave permanently in the summer after he has made his wish to make his career clear abroad.
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