Kyle Walker has opened up about the challenging conversation he had with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before finalizing his loan switch to AC Milan.

Earlier this month, Guardiola confirmed that Walker had expressed his desire to leave the club and pursue a new opportunity abroad, marking the end of a turbulent period for the England defender.

The 34-year-old had faced criticism for his performances during a difficult first half of the season, prompting him to seek a fresh start. Milan secured Walker on a loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer for €5 million (£4.2 million).

With the move, it seems increasingly likely that Walker has played his last game for City, where he made 319 appearances and collected a glittering array of trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Walker reflected on his departure and the difficult conversation he had with Guardiola.

“When I sat down with Pep, it wasn’t the easiest discussion – mainly because of the respect we have for one another,” Walker admitted. “What he’s achieved at City, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of. I’d like to think he recognizes the value I brought, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room, too.”

Walker expressed gratitude for his time at Manchester City, calling it his “family” and praising the bond he shared with everyone, from staff to teammates. However, the lack of game time made his decision to leave unavoidable.

“I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted, and things just weren’t clicking,” Walker said. “I’ve always been someone who wants to contribute fully, and it felt like the right time for a new challenge. Hopefully, I can get back to playing regularly here.”

The defender revealed that a “gut feeling” convinced him to join the Rossoneri, especially given their stature as five-time European champions.

“I could’ve stayed at City and honored my contract if they hadn’t agreed to let me go – that’s just who I am,” Walker explained. “But sometimes, you need to trust your instincts. I’ve spoken to so many players who regret never moving abroad, and I didn’t want to be one of them.

“If it wasn’t a club like Milan, I wouldn’t have left City. But there are certain opportunities you just can’t turn down.”

Now part of a growing English contingent at Milan, Walker joins fellow countrymen Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tammy Abraham.

Though he won’t be eligible to feature in Milan’s midweek Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, Walker is expected to make his debut in Sunday’s heated derby against Inter Milan.

Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Marcus Rashford’s time at the club is effectively over after manager Ruben Amorim made a controversial remark regarding the player’s commitment.

Rashford, who hasn’t featured for United since December 12, has been consistently excluded from Amorim’s matchday squads. The only exception was one game, where the England international was left on the bench as an unused substitute.

When questioned about Rashford’s absence in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Fulham, Amorim delivered a sharp critique, highlighting the 27-year-old’s lack of effort in training. He went so far as to compare Rashford unfavorably to Jorge Vital, United’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach.

“The reason is the training, what I believe a footballer should give in training, in life, and every single day,” Amorim stated. “I would select Vital before putting in a player who doesn’t give their maximum effort every day.”

Amorim’s blunt comments have drawn widespread attention, as the manager has become known for his fiery statements since taking charge in November.

Reacting to the situation on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former United defender criticized Rashford for being in such a position.

“If I were the player the manager spoke about in that way… absolute embarrassment,” Ferdinand said. “We all have off days or periods where we’re not at our best, but effort? That’s not something I’d ever want a manager to question about me.

“That’s a damning comment, and Amorim knows exactly the ripple effect of saying that publicly. He’s not making that statement lightly. With that level of criticism, I just don’t see a way back for Marcus at United.”

Rashford himself admitted in December that he was ready to embrace “a new challenge,” but with just a week left in the January transfer window, his future remains uncertain.

European heavyweights such as Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan have reportedly expressed interest in the prolific forward, who boasts 138 goals in 426 appearances for Manchester United.

However, any potential transfer is complicated by Rashford’s lucrative contract, reportedly worth £300,000 per week ($374,000), which ties him to the club until 2028.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed that Marcus Rashford is still far from returning to the club’s matchday squad. The England international has now missed 11 consecutive games, including United’s narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Rashford’s last appearance for Manchester United came more than six weeks ago, in the Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen on December 12th. Following that match, the striker hinted at seeking a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford, fueling speculation about his future at the club.

The January transfer window presents an opportunity for Rashford to move on, but so far, no deal has materialized. Despite United’s ongoing struggles in front of goal, Amorim remains firm in his stance regarding the player.

When questioned about Rashford’s continued absence after the Fulham game, Amorim remarked, “It’s the same, it’s always the same reason. The reason lies in the training, in how I view what footballers should do every day—every detail matters.”

Amorim elaborated on his philosophy, stating, “If things don’t change, I won’t change. The same applies to every player. If you give your maximum effort and do the right things consistently, you’ll get your chance. But as of now, I’m not seeing that.”

The manager admitted that the team lacked pace and attacking dynamism on the bench, which could have helped alter the game against Fulham. However, he remains steadfast in his principles. “I’d rather put Vital [United’s goalkeeping coach] on the pitch before I field a player who isn’t giving their all every day. My standards won’t change in that regard,” he emphasized.

Amorim’s hardline stance persists despite Manchester United’s offensive woes. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have managed just five goals between them in the Premier League this season. Nonetheless, the Portuguese manager is unwilling to compromise his expectations for Rashford or any other player, signaling a clear message about his commitment to discipline and work ethic within the squad.