• Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man City
  • Nathan Ake was surprised by his teammate's decision
  • The Dutch defender had full faith in City's recruitment department

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake was caught by surprise when he learned of Kyle Walker's desire to leave the Etihad Stadium, admitting that his teammate's departure would have a "massive" impact on the squad.

Pep Guardiola broke the news of Walker's intention to move abroad for the final years of his career after City's 8-0 FA Cup thumping of Salford City on Saturday evening.

 

The defending Premier League champions deployed a youthful lineup for the third-round tie, with Ake the only senior centre-back to start. Walker was conspicuous by his absence and Guardiola later explained: "I prefer to play other players whose minds are here."

Ake was taken aback when his manager's comments were put to him post-match, gathering himself before lauding his "legend" of a teammate. "He's massive for us," the Dutch defender told reporters, "been massive for us over the years. This year as well, he's 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."

Walker has routinely captained City this season and Ake was asked about the Englishman's leadership qualities. "It's massive," the 29-year-old admitted. "He's a big player for us, big character. Good guy as well, I'm very good with him. Let's see what happens. There's no doubt he's been a massive player for us."

 

City are poised to add some defensive players in the January transfer window. Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov is on the cusp of agreeing a £33.6m deal while Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis could also be on his way to east Manchester.

The news of Walker's departure may have come as a shock, but Ake had faith in City's recruitment department. "The club know what they're doing," he insisted. "They're trying to help the team and trying to get us back to where we belong. Hopefully, if it happens, it will be good."

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker wants to leave the club, Pep Guardiola has confirmed, with AC Milan interested in agreeing a deal.

The 34-year-old played no part in City's convincing 8-0 win over League Two promotion hopefuls Salford City in the FA Cup third round, leading to questions over his absence in Guardiola's post-match press conference.

 

"Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad," the Spaniard confirmed.

"He asked two years ago after the Treble, Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer was not good enough and the club asked how important he was. We cannot understand the success we have had these years without Kyle, it's impossible. He gave us something we didn't have he has been amazing but now in his mind he would like to explore going to another country to play the last few years for many reasons. "

Confirming why Walker did not feature against Salford, Guardiola added: "For that reason I prefer to play other players whose minds are here."

 

Walker has 18 months remaining on his City contract and the Telegraph report that Milan are interested in taking the veteran speedster to San Siro. An offer has not yet been put forward to the reigning Premier League champions but Milan are 'confident of getting a deal over the line'.

There have been no guarantees for Walker this season in regards to a regular starting role, with the emerging Rico Lewis often preferred by Guardiola in both Premier League and Champions League competition.

Walker has enjoyed a tremendously successful eight-year spell at City, winning 14 major trophies after joining from Tottenham Hotspur in a £50m deal. In addition to winning the club's first-ever Champions League in 2023, Walker has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Club World Cup.