Nathan Ake knows Man City will miss ‘big character’ Kyle Walker if he leaves
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Nathan Ake believes Kyle Walker would be a huge loss to Manchester City should he leave the club this month. City skipper Walker was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup rout of League Two Salford after expressing a desire to move.
Manager Pep Guardiola said Walker, 34, wanted to “explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career” after eight years at City in which he has won 17 trophies. It is not clear whether Walker, who is contracted until the end of next season, will leave this month but City are unlikely to stand in his way should a suitable offer be received.
Centre-back Ake said Walker, linked with AC Milan, would be missed “massively”. The Dutchman added: “He’s been massive for us over the years, this year as well – a big character in the squad. He deserves a lot of praise for all the years he’s been a top player for this club.
“He’s a good guy as well, I’m very good with him. Let’s see what happens but there’s no doubt he’s been a massive player for us.”. Walker’s achievements since his £45million move from Tottenham in 2017 include six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
He deserves a lot of praise for all the years he's been a top player for this club. He was close to leaving for Bayern Munich after the treble-winning campaign in 2023 but opted to stay at the Etihad Stadium and was later made captain. His form since, however, has been mixed and 20-year-old Rico Lewis has been preferred at right-back at times this term. Walker has not started for City since the derby loss to Manchester United on December 15.
