England star Kyle Walker departed Manchester City for Burnley this summer but joined AC Milan on loan earlier this year as he went in search of greater playing time
Kyle Walker believes he was "selfish" in leaving Manchester City for AC Milan in January. The England defender made the switch to Serie A on loan in the midst of a difficult period for Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League.
City were left to fight for a place in the Champions League having won four titles on the bounce after enduring their worst run of form since the Catalan coach's arrival. And Walker , who was captain at the time, reckons he made the incorrect decision in departing midway through that campaign.
The 35-year-old made 16 appearances for the Italian giants after completing his move but lost his place in the starting XI as the season drew to a close. The Rossoneri would decide against taking up their option to sign Walker permanently, who went on to join Burnley this summer.
Walker has questioned his own decision not to spend his final six months at the Etihad, opting to go in search of greater playing time. He told Sky Sports : "Should I have left and gone on loan to AC Milan? I was the club captain, and you're the first one in line when things are not going really well.
"At that time in the season, should I have left? Looking back at it now, probably no.
"I should have stood by or next to my team-mates, next to my friends and people who I class as my family. But for the first time, probably in my career, I was selfish and I thought about myself and I wanted to play football.
"I don't see it as a bad reason but I wasn't happy sitting on the bench and getting a game here, there and whenever. I felt that I still had a point to prove that I could still play at a high level.
"When a club like AC Milan comes I didn't think I could turn them down. When I came back in the summer I had time to reflect on it.
"But then I don't regret it as I always wanted to play abroad and experience that. I'm glad I did the sixth months, but I probably could have done a bit better."